The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga recently concluded its first ever Regional Fisheries Resource Management Conference on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at the Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City, bringing together key partners from local government units across the region. The said event was held in line with the celebration of the 62nd Fish Conservation Week with the theme “Pangisdaang Masagana, Sapat na Isda sa Bawat Pamilya.”

The conference served as a collaborative platform for LGUs, fisheries experts, and partner institutions to address pressing issues and chart sustainable solutions for the management of Caraga’s rich but vulnerable fisheries resources.

Topics tackled included the impacts of climate change on fisheries and floating communities of Agusan Marsh by Dr. Rex Linao of the Foundation for the Development of Agusanons Inc., status and trends of fish stocks in Caraga by Joyce M. Baclayo, project leader of the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) Caraga, and microplastics and their impacts on marine ecosystems presented by Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan of Mindanao State University (MSU) at Naawan. Regional and national case studies were also highlighted, such as the sardine fishery management in Zamboanga Peninsula which was presented by Divina B. Ignacio, project leader of NSAP-9, and the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing risk assessment in Caraga by Roselito D. Jamero of DA-BFAR Caraga’s Enforcement and Regional Monitoring Control Surveillance Operations Center (ERMCSOC).

Best practices on inter-LGU alliances for managing shared fishing grounds were also shared by Marisol D. Tuso of the Butuan Bay Development Alliance (BBDA) and Atty. Leoderico P. Avila, Jr. of the Lanuza Bay Development Alliance (LBDA), emphasizing the importance of cross-boundary partnerships in addressing fisheries management challenges.

The event also featured a learning session on the Fish Forever Approach facilitated by Christopher G. Lomboy, senior director of Rare Philippines.

In his closing message, Edgardo P. Balambao, officer-in-charge of the Fisheries Management Regulatory and Enforcement Division (FMRED), underscored the significance of uniting science, policy, and community action in safeguarding Caraga’s fisheries.

“The success of this first Regional Fisheries Resource Management Conference proves that when we work together—LGUs, communities, and institutions—we can create lasting solutions to secure food and livelihood for generations,” Balambao said.

The activity marks a milestone for Caraga Region as it strengthens collaborative fisheries resource management in the spirit of Fish Conservation Week, reaffirming the collective commitment to sustainable seas and resilient coastal communities.# (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)