The Capiz State University (CAPSU), in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VI in the Philippines, and Hiroshima University in Japan, jointly organized an International Research Colloquium on Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. The event was held from September 19-21, 2024, in the boardroom of the Central Administration building at CAPSU Roxas City Main Campus.
The event provided a platform for students and faculty from various secondary schools, colleges, and higher education institutions both within and outside the Philippines to present their research in diverse areas of fisheries and aquatic sciences.
Dr. Mary Ann B. Martelino, Vice President for External Affairs and Linkages, warmly welcomed the attendees. In her address, she emphasized the significant role of research and collaboration in advancing fisheries and aquatic science, highlighted the objectives of the event, and look forward to continued collaboration between CAPSU and partner universities.
“Today’s colloquium highlights how innovative research can drive sustainable development and transformative changes within the industry. We are excited to see the passion and commitment that our students and faculty bring to their research, which will be showcased throughout this event,” Dr. Martelino expressed with excitement.
CAPSU President Dr. Efren L. Linan, represented by Dr. Leo Andrew B. Biclar, OIC-Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, conveyed a message of heartfelt gratitude. Speaking on behalf of Dr. Linan, Dr. Biclar thanked the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs and Linkages (OVPEAL), along with the RDE through the Food and Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC), for organizing this significant event.
“We, at Capiz State University, have always been committed to supporting the development of our province through our academic endeavors, such as, particularly in the area of fisheries. Through our academic programs, research, extension and community engagement initiatives, we strive to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of our sea resources.”
Dr. Biclar highlighted several initiatives led and conducted by this University to address issues in the fishery sector, impacting not only the academic community but also the local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), fisherfolk’s organizations, people’s organizations, and other stakeholders directly affected by these challenges.
Dr. Biclar also shared Dr. Linan’s vision as the newly elected president to position CAPSU Pontevedra Campus as a hub for the development of a sustainable seafood industry in Capiz. This initiative, already established and supported by funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), aims to drive significant progress in the seafood industry sector.
Finishing Dr. Linan’s message, Dr. Biclar urged every participant “to continue generating research-based knowledge that are relevant to the needs of the people here in Capiz and to the international spaces. By working together, we can build a sustainable future for our province and ensure the future-ready communities.”
“Through this colloquium and partnership, let us strive to protect and preserve our Capiz maritime heritage for future generations through the continuous conduct of research and extension initiatives. By working together, we can ensure that our province rich marine resources remain a source of livelihood, sustenance, and inspiration for future generations. With this … let’s RISE CAPSU, let’s RISE CAPIZ.”
Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr., Director of CHED Regional Office VI (CHEDRO VI), represented by Mr. Paulo Cabañero, Education Supervisor II at CHEDRO VI shared a message of appreciation. Mr. Cabañero began by thanking the key officials and organizing committee of CAPSU for their tireless efforts in making the event possible.
“We at CHEDRO VI are grateful for the partnership with the Capiz State University and together let us explore new frontiers in research, let us forge partnerships, that is why we invited other representatives from other SUCs — to forge partnership also and to contribute a sustainable management of our aquatic resources, for the benefit of both current and future generations,” Mr. Cabañero said, expressing excitement for a fruitful exchange of ideas.
Dr. Marien A. Laureto, Director for International and National Affairs, provided an overview of the Colloquium. She extended individual acknowledgments to the participants, as well as to the schools and universities that accepted the University’s invitation to take part in the event.
“This colloquium addresses the urgent need to revitalize fisheries and aquatic science research in light of rising global fish consumption, and the challenges of food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability,” Dr. Laureto stated, emphasizing the event’s primary objective.
“Ultimately, our goal for this research colloquium is to try to shape a future where fisheries and aquatic sciences contribute to sustainable and thriving communities worldwide. Madamo guid nga salamat (thank you very much),” Dr. Laureto added, further highlighting the rationale of the colloquium.
Here is the list of research works presented on the first day of the event:
- Current progress of fisheries biology in Hiroshima University, Japan by Takeshi Tomiyama
- Mangrove 2.0: Using citizen science to further understand the mangrove ecosystems by Harold Buenvenida
- Resolving the taxonomy of some species of the Delesseriaceae (Rhodophyta, Ceramiales) in the Western Pacific Region by Lawrence M. Liao
- Seagrass and seaweed diversity in the intertidal zone of Sitio Panublihan, Ivisan, Capiz by Louella Louise L. Cordero
- Long-term changes in the growth and survival of the Japanese rockfish (Sebastes cheni) in a macroalgal bed in relation to seaweed abundance by Keito Yanamoto
- Growth and feeding of juvenile stone flounder (Platichthys bicoloratus) in the Western Seto Inland Sea by Yui Ichikawa
- Some aspects on the feeding and growth ecology of juvenile marbled flounder Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae (Gunther, 1877) in Suo-nada, Seto Inland Sea, Japan by Alvin Hallares Bantiquete
- Feeding habits of young-of-the-year yellowtail in Seto Inland Sea by Yuto Shintani
- Long-term variation in age-length relationships of marbled flounder in the Joban area by Yudai Okutomo
- Density and distribution of Mytella strigata: A comprehensive study in Pilar Bay, Capiz, Philippines by Ianthe Marie P. Benliro
- Geotagging and water characterization of oyster and mussel farms in Pilar Bay, Capiz by Raesa Mae Matias
- INSPIRE-SAFE project: From tray to bottle by Stephanie S. Pimentel
Before the conclusion of the first day of the event, Dr. Linan arrived shortly after presenting and defending CAPSU’s budget before both the Congress and Senate in Manila. He delivered a brief message, expressing his deep gratitude to Hiroshima University and commending the active participation of all attendees in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on SDG No. 14: Life Below Water.
On the second day, before the continuation of research presentations, Dr. Lawrence M. Liao, Professor at the Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life at Hiroshima University, provided a synthesis of key insights from the first day of the event. He also offered valuable advice, highlighting several points worth noting.
Likewise, here is the list of research works presented on the second day of the event:
- Phylogeny and population genetics of sea urchin Echinometra in Taiwan by Mei-Fang Lin
- The temperature-induced effects on ecdysis frequency, feeding habits, and growth response of Gazami (Portunus tribuberculatus) crablets by Angelo C. Macario
- Effect of size and temperature on regeneration of lost siphon of Solen strictus by Yusuke Nakama
- Stock differentiation of Genus Upeneus using geometric morphometric analysis in Capiz, Philippines by Hannah Joy Marcelino
- Statistical approaches to length-weight relationship modeling by Alexander J. Balsomo
- Assessment of heavy metal contamination in milkfish, shrimp and shellfish from brackish water ponds and coastal water in Capiz, Philippines by Merry Flor L. Martinez
- Seasonal changes in the feeding habits of red sea bream (Pagrus major) in the Seto Inland Sea by Yuki Sugimoto
- Occurrence of microplastic in brackish water ponds in the province of Capiz by Dave Mitchelle S. Lantoria
- Thermophilic Streptomyces albogriseolus in Mainit Hot Spring, Malabuyoc, Cebu, Philippines: Culture-based characterization, molecular identification, and screening for bioactivity by John Michael B. Genterolizo
- Combinatorial probiotics application decreases Vibrio population, enhances digestive protease activity and improved larval survival of the blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) in hatchery conditions by Gelene Roda I. Alvarez
- High temperature tolerances and the effects of temperature on the feeding and growth of juvenile red seabream (Pagrus major) and redspotted grouper (Epinephelus akaara) by Islam Tania
Following the research presentations, here is the list of studies presented as posters by their respective authors during the event:
- Prey environment and feeding selectively in a Sargassum Bed by Rumina Onishi
- Interspecific variation in the feeding habits of larval fishes in the Eastern Hiuchi-nada by Kazuma Aramoto
- Feeding habits and feeding conditions of juvenile Japanese flounder in the western Seto Inland Sea by Hata Misaki
Dr. Wennie F. Legario, Vice President for Administration and Finance, concluded the program with a closing message. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of this colloquium, reminding us, as humans, of our ‘enormous potential to address the critical challenges facing our marine and freshwater ecosystems.
“As we close this international colloquium, I wish everyone a safe travel to towns or countries, and I pray for your continued success in your endeavours. I foresee this colloquium as a starting point for more fruitful collaborations between our institutions and further, for better and more sustainable futures to our aquatic environments,” Dr. Legario said, formally concluding the event.
A token of appreciation was presented to Hiroshima University, represented by Dr. Lawrence M. Liao, and each participant received a certificate of participation for completing the three-day colloquium.
Before going back to their respective places, the delegates were given a tour of the University, as well as various sites around Roxas City, Capiz on the last day of the event.