July 2024

Mindanao State University at Naawan welcomed the delegation from the Marine Resources Research Division of Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) for the inception meeting of the newly-funded PCAARRD – Grant-in-Aid (PCAARRD-GIA) projects on sea cucumber, at the Office of the Chancellor Conference Hall on July 17, 2024. Attendees included delegates from DOST-PCAARRD’s Marine Resources Research Division, namely Director Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera, Assistant Director Ms. Adela C. Corpuz, Ms. Hannah May B. Odemer, Mr. Dan Carlo N. Barrion, and Mr. Jepthe Eryl Lapitan. The MSUN delegation comprised of Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Ms. Rhoda Perpetua, CPA, Director for Research Dr. Ruby C. Gonzales, Director for Extension Assoc. Prof. Mariefe B. Quiñones, project leaders, members, staff, campus procurement staff, and finance staff. Chancellor Roa opened the meeting with a warm welcome, followed by an exchange of introductions from both delegations. The meeting focused on three key sea cucumber projects: 𝙋𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙚𝙖 𝘾𝙪𝙘𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙨-𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙎𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘼𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙤 Project Leader: Dr. Elgen M. Arriesgado 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙏𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙝 (𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙖 𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙡𝙫𝙖, 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙧 1980) 𝙃𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 Project Leader: Dr. Dan M. Arriesgado 𝙀𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙝 (𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙖 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙗𝙧𝙖, 𝙅𝙖𝙚𝙜𝙚𝙧 1833) 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙋𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙚𝙖 𝙋𝙚𝙣 𝙁𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 Project Leader: Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy The meeting served as the initial kickoff for these projects, allowing participants to discuss the roles and responsibilities of project leaders and staff, set expectations, understand requirements, discuss risks and challenges, create a communication plan, and review the project plan, including phases, tasks, and resources needed.  Moreover, MSUN expressed its deep gratitude to DOST-PCAARRD for their unwavering support and generous funding, emphasizing how this collaboration will significantly advance sea cucumber research and sustainable practices in Mindanao.

With its aim to elevate the academic and research landscape in fisheries and marine sciences through robust educational exchanges, the 1st International Conference on Responsible Fisheries and Sustainable Aquaculture set sail on July 3-5, 2024 at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.  𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏 𝘿𝘼𝙔 𝙆𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙊𝙁𝙁 Starting off with the singing of the national anthem of the Philippines and the participating countries such as Turkiye, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the conference set the tone with Mindanao State University (MSU) System President and MSU Main Campus Chancellor Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno, Provincial Consultant on Fisheries and Executive Director of Macajalar Bay Development Authority Mr. Teodoro Bacolod delivering the message of Misamis Oriental Hon. Gov. Peter M. Unabia, and Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Rector Prof. Ramazan Cüneyt Erenoglu delivering their messages. MSU at Naawan Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa presented the rationale of the conference and welcomed the delegates from several universities. Keynote speaker Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prof. J. Prospero E. de Vera III through pre-recorded video and Department of Science and Technology Region X Director Engr. Romela N. Ratilla, DPA delivered their messages highlighting the significance of the conference in the fisheries and marine science sectors. Additionally, the conference acknowledged and awarded five exchange students to Turkey under the Philippine-Turkey Project on the Development of Academic Exchange Programs focusing on Fisheries and Marine Science. Delegates had the opportunity to view and browse both competing and non-competing poster presentations before the afternoon session commenced. During the afternoon session, four plenary speakers covered diverse areas of fisheries and marine science. Dr. Emre Keskin from Ankara University, Turkey, presented on “Echoes of Biodiversity: How eDNA Metabarcoding Amplifies Conservation Efforts.” Prof. Dr. Sebahattin Ergün of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey, discussed “Natural Fish Feed Additives in Health and Immunity.” Prof. Dr. Khor Waiho from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu addressed “Adapting to the Heat: Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Mud Crabs for Sustainable Aquaculture.” Lastly, Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, spoke on “Empowering Women for Sustainable Seas: Gender-Inclusive Strategies in Fisheries and Aquaculture Management.” Simultaneously, parallel sessions were held in breakout rooms where delegates from various universities presented their studies aligned with conference themes: Aquaculture Sustainability and Innovation; Responsible Fisheries Management; Aquatic Health and Disease Management; Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity; and Socioeconomic and Community Aspects. 𝙈𝙄𝙎 𝙊𝙍’𝙎 𝙉𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏 Mis Or’s Night dazzled attendees with elegant traditional and formal attires, celebrating cultural appreciation in a vibrant display. The ceremony started off with a captivating musical presentation by the Koro Kaayad Kaligaon, serenading the audience with their heavenly voices. This was followed by a heartfelt welcoming message from Prof. Renoir Marino A. Abrea, MSUN Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension. A highlight of the evening was the launching of the newly approved Centers at MSU at Naawan. Principal Investigator Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan inaugurated the Microplastics Center, aimed at advancing scientific understanding, innovating solutions, and promoting awareness regarding microplastic pollution. This center is set to increase public awareness through educational programs and advocate for effective policies and sustainable practices through interdisciplinary collaboration.  “It is in the best interest of the MSU system to establish the Center for Microplastics Research and Innovation, the first in the Philippines,” Dr. Capangpangan emphasized. Following this, Dr. Venus Leopardas, Principal Investigator of the eDNA Project, introduced the eDNA Center. This center aims to harness the potential of environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to revolutionize biodiversity monitoring, ecological research, and conservation practices in the region and throughout the Philippines. The establishment of these centers aims to centralize expertise and resources, ensure long-term sustainability, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance education and outreach, influence policy, and build networks and partnerships. After the launching, participants enjoyed a delightful dinner while being entertained by Indak Kalaunan’s performances of various Philippine cultural dances and traditional songs by Koro Kaayad Kaligaon. These performances highlighted the rich cultural heritage and allowed participants to appreciate cultural differences, showcasing how local fishermen celebrate a bountiful harvest. The night also featured a talent showcase, where representatives from different institutions displayed their singing and dancing skills. A fashion show spotlighted the elegant traditional Filipino attires, showcasing the rich diversity of ethnic backgrounds. The event concluded with the awarding of presentations and best attire, wrapping up an evening of cultural appreciation, innovation, and community spirit. 𝘿𝙄𝙎𝘾𝙐𝙎𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝘾𝙇𝙊𝙎𝙄𝙉𝙂 The second day of the conference commenced with the Stakeholders Forum, featuring a presentation by Director Edward B. Yasay of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region X, who outlined BFAR’s role and contributions to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Following Director Yasay, Dr. Jericardo S. Mondragon, Chief of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Mariculture Center (BFAR-NMC), discussed BFAR-NMC’s interventions in support of Mariculture Park Development in the Philippines. Mr. Daniel V. Cabrera, National Sales Manager of Santeh Feeds Corporation, a sponsor of ICORFASA, concluded the series of talks by sharing Santeh’s commitment to “Quality Feeds for Sustainable Aquaculture.” Subsequently, the three speakers joined Assoc. Prof. Kaent Immanuel Uba for a panel discussion on responsible fisheries and sustainable aquaculture. Following this session, parallel sessions took place in various breakout rooms where delegates presented their papers in competing and non-competing categories through both oral and poster presentations. For the closing ceremony, here are the winners for the competing category in poster presentation: 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 – 𝗔𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗔, 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝘆 for the paper 𝙄𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙀𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩-𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙘 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙜 𝙎𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙥, 𝙋𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙚𝙪𝙨 𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙞  𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 – 𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔, 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆𝗻 for the paper 𝙉𝙪𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙡𝙮 (𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙖 𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙪𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙨) 𝙇𝙖𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙨 𝙋𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘼𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 – 𝗔Ñ𝗢𝗥𝗔, 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖. for the paper 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙀𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙁𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙘𝙤, 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙮 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙮𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙮𝙤𝙜, 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙖𝙣, 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙣, 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 Meanwhile, these are the winners for the oral presentation:  𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 – 𝗧𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦, 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗲 for the paper 𝙄𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙊𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙊𝙛 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙣-𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙆𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙮𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙯𝙞𝙞 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 –

July 1, 2024 – The air was electric as the MSUN Function House came alive for the CMAS Colloquium of Theses and Capstone Projects. The event kicked off with an opening program that set the stage for a day of academic celebration and scholarly exchange.  Attendees then moved to the parallel sessions, with Session A for both BS and MS in Marine Biology held at the MSUN Function House and Session B for BS in Information Technology at TSAC 102.  A panel of esteemed evaluators lent their expertise to the event. Graduate theses were evaluated by Dr. Allyn Duvin P. Hinoguin, Dr. Helen J. Vicente, and Ret. Prof. Henry E. Dejarme. The evaluators for undergraduate theses included Ret. Prof. Henry E. Dejarme, Mr. Erwin Jones A. Tucong, MSc, and Mr. Ariel P. Antinero, MSc. Capstone projects were assessed by Assoc. Prof. Lilibeth Coronel, Mr. Diorey O. Potestas, and Ms. Jehanie May A. Macasawang. The event concluded with the much-anticipated awards ceremony, recognizing the outstanding efforts and achievements of the students. The awards were presented as follows: Graduate Studies – MS Marine Biology Undergraduate Studies – BS Marine Biology Capstone Projects – BS Information Technology This year’s colloquium highlighted the diverse and impactful research conducted by both graduate and undergraduate students. The breadth of topics covered, from marine biology to information technology, showcased the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary scientific inquiry. The recognition of these exemplary projects emphasizes the commitment of MSUN in nurturing a robust academic environment that encourages innovation, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving.

Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy and Dr. Emmylou A. Emperador of the ACIAR Sandfish Project, both esteemed faculty researchers of Mindanao State University at Naawan, attended the Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2024 conference held in Surabaya, Indonesia from July 2-5, 2024. This prestigious international event, themed “Aquaculture – Driving the Blue Economy,” featured technical sessions and industry exhibits of the newest technology from around the world Dr. Emmylou A. Emperador presented her paper titled “Family-based Sandfish Farming: The Case in Northern Mindanao, Philippines.” Her research highlights the innovative approach of involving local families in sandfish farming, demonstrating the socio-economic benefits and sustainable practices that can be achieved through community participation. Her study emphasized the potential of family-based farming to enhance local livelihoods while contributing to the sustainable management of marine resources.  Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy also presented his study, “Growth Performance of Sandfish Holothuria scabra (Jaeger 1833) in a Community Managed Nursery System in Northern Mindanao, Philippines.”This study focused on the growth rates and overall health of sandfish in a nursery system managed by the local community. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the viability of community-managed nurseries as a sustainable method for sandfish aquaculture, which can lead to enhanced economic opportunities for local communities. The event provided an excellent opportunity for Dr. Uy and Dr. Emperador to meet the entire team of the ACIAR-funded Sandfish Project, including representatives from University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI), Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), Guiuan Development Foundation, Inc.(GDFI), Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 3 (RIA3 ) of Vietnam, and University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) of Australia.  From hosting the International Conference on Responsible Fisheries and Sustainable Aquaculture (ICORFASA 2024) to participating in Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2024, MSUN continues to lead in aquaculture research, contributing to global sustainable practices and innovative solutions. The knowledge and experience gained through these conferences will surely enhance the university’s research capabilities and contributions to the aquaculture industry.

The success of the 1st International Conference on Responsible Fisheries and Sustainable Aquaculture (ICORFASA) owes its profound gratitude to the dedicated individuals whose contributions have been indispensable: First and foremost, I extend my gratitude to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman, Prof. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, for entrusting Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) and my leadership as Chancellor with this pivotal project. Your confidence in our university’s capabilities fuels our dedication to pursue and continue our commitment to excellence. I also sincerely appreciate Atty. Lily Frieda Milla for her unwavering support and influential guidance on MSUN’s journey. With such outstanding individuals leading us, I am confident in the collective success we will achieve. Secondly, I am grateful for the unwavering support of our partner universities: Mindanao State University – Main Campus, led by MSU System President Atty. Basari Mapupuno; University of the Philippines – Visayas, led by Chancellor Clement Camposano; Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, led by Pres. Nordy Siason, Jr. and represented by Dr. Jescel Bito-onon; Western Philippines University, led by Dr. Amabel S. Liao; Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology represented by Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Extension Dr. Rufa Mendez; and Southern Philippines Agri-Business & Marine and Aquatic School of Technology, led by Dr. Lynette A. Bontia. Special thanks are also extended to the MSU System President Atty. Basari Mapupuno and the esteemed Chancellors of MSU constituent universities. Your unwavering dedication, continuous support, and inspirational leadership serve as guiding beacons, illuminating our journey towards achieving excellence and fostering meaningful impact in our respective fields. To our plenary speakers — Prof. Sebahattin Ergün of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey; Prof. Dr. Khor Wai Ho of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu; Prof. Dr. Emre Keskin of Ankara University, Turkey; and Prof. Dr. Kyoko Kusakabe of the Asian Institute of Technology — your expertise and the knowledge you have imparted have been crucial to the success of the conference. To our Stakeholders Forum Speakers — Dr. Jericardo S. Mondragon of the National Mariculture Center, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Davao del Norte; Mr. Daniel V. Cabrera of Santeh Feeds Corporation; and Director Edward B. Yasay of BFAR Region X — we are honored to have you and share with you the same goal.  Next, to our esteemed delegates hailing from universities across the globe and here in the Philippines — your vibrant engagement and invaluable contributions have greatly enriched the conference proceedings, bringing diverse perspectives and insights that have elevated the exchange of knowledge and ideas. We extend our sincere appreciation for your dedicated involvement, which undoubtedly played a pivotal role in making this event a resounding success. Of course, our appreciation also goes to our conference sponsors — the provincial government of Misamis Oriental, represented by Hon. Gov. Peter “Sr. Pedro” Unabia, and Santeh Feeds Corporation, represented by National Sales Manager Mr. Daniel V. Cabrera. The same appreciation extends to Naawan’s municipal mayor, Hon. Dennis L. Roa. Your support for the conference has been significantly instrumental in realizing our shared visions. Last but certainly not least, heartfelt appreciation goes out to our dedicated working committees from MSU at Naawan. Your exceptional creativity, profound intellect, and unwavering determination have been the cornerstone of our achievements throughout this endeavor. Your innovative ideas and tireless efforts have not only brought about tangible results but have also set a standard of excellence that inspires all who witness your contributions. The success of this event is a testament to your hard work and passion, showcasing how your collaborative spirit and steadfast commitment can turn aspirations into reality. To everyone who has supported the 1st ICORFASA since its inception and promotion on social media, thank you for your unceasing support. Your unwavering encouragement and active engagement have been instrumental in amplifying our message and reaching a wider audience. The 1st ICORFASA is a result of the project Development of Academic and Exchange Programs for Fisheries and Marine Science among Philippine and Turkish universities, aimed at forging international linkages and partnerships with various stakeholders, academia, scientists, and researchers dedicated to advancing Fisheries and Marine Science. Through ICORFASA, our goal is to ignite innovative thinking, foster collaborative pathways, and inspire ongoing commitment to promoting responsible fisheries and sustainable aquaculture. We hope that ICORFASA has sparked new ideas, paved the way for fruitful collaborations, and encouraged all participants to uphold our shared promise for a sustainable future in fisheries and aquaculture. –Chancellor Dr. Elnor C. Roa