by Christine Lyn Viajante

MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City (Sept. 17)— The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) successfully kicked off its week-long celebration of the 61st Fish Conservation Week yesterday, marking the start of a series of activities that promote the conservation and sustainable management of fisheries and aquatic resources in the region.

Highlighting the event was a compelling talk on fisheries research and sustainability delivered by Astrid L. Sinco, Ph.D, director of McKeough Marine Center (MMC) in Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.

Her presentation elaborated on current research trends, challenges, and actionable strategies for the sustainable development of the region’s fisheries, perfectly reflecting this year’s theme dubbed, “Sama-sama Tungo sa Maunlad at Likas-kayang Pangisdaan sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

Dir. Sinco emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the academe, scientific community, government agencies, and local fisherfolk in the quest for ecological balance and resilience.

“Research in fisheries science can drive the creation of policies that balance conservation and fishing communities’ economic needs,” Dir. Sinco said.

Her discussion also covered a wide range of topics, on aquatic resource conservation and management, as well as the adverse impacts of overfishing, climate change, habitat degradation, and the decline of fish stocks.

“What’s in it for Juan dela Cruz?” a challenge elaborated by the director to the bureau’s employees and fisheries stakeholders to emphasize the relevance, and timeliness of initiatives driven toward attaining the three pillars of sustainability; environmental, social, and economic stability.

Following Dir. Sinco’s inspiring talk, the “FISHEREELS: FB Reel-Making Contest” was also launched as a platform for social media content enthusiasts expanding the event’s Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) platform.

A foot parade on the streets of this city and the opening of BFAR-10’s Seafood Village also drew a crowd at the bureau’s premises, making the celebration more festive. (CLViajante//BFAR10)