PANABO CITY – Marine and freshwater researchers, educators, practitioners, students, and partners gathered at Davao del Norte State College for the 58th Annual Convention of the Federation of Institutions of Marine and Freshwater Sciences (FIMFS), Inc., held from July 23 to 25, 2026, to explore emerging research, partnerships, and sustainable solutions for aquatic ecosystems.
This year’s convention centered on four thematic areas: Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for a Sustainable Future; Confronting Aquatic Challenges: Pollution, Climate Change, and Adaptation; Innovating the Blue Frontier: Advancements in Aquaculture and Fisheries; and Bridging Science and Society: Governance, Economics, and Education.
In her welcome remarks, DNSC President, Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa, challenged participants to ensure that scientific knowledge translates into impact for communities and the environment, “Beyond the presentations and discussions, let us also anchor ourselves in a deeper question. How will the knowledge we gain here transform the lives of our fisher folks, our coastal communities, and the future of our marine and freshwater ecosystems?… This powerful truth reminds us that the responsibility we carry is not confined to our professions. It is a shared human duty. The health of our oceans is inseparable from the future of humanity.”
The convention also featured distinguished keynote speakers from the fields of marine conservation, aquaculture, industry, diplomacy, and public governance, including Mr. Iñigo G. Taojo, President and Founder of Davao Gulf Divers; Dr. Ludevito S. Batilong, Chief Executive Officer of Anderlude Seafoods Corp.; Hon. Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh, Consul General of Malaysia in Davao City; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Chong Chu Koh, Manager of the Aquaculture Incubator at Universiti Malaysia Sabah; and Hon. Edwin I. Jubahib, Governor of Davao del Norte.
Dr. Richard Thomas B. Pavia, FIMFS President, reflected on the organization’s enduring legacy of fostering academic collaboration in marine and freshwater sciences, “What started 58 years ago, with only five institutions, has now blossomed to a group comprised of 38 universities, private universities and state universities and colleges. We are one of, if not the oldest organization that is founded by institutions with an academic purpose.”
Throughout the convention, participants engaged in scientific paper presentations, technical discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions. A total of 79 researchers and presenters participated in the oral and poster presentations, while more than 100 members of the marine and freshwater academic community served as facilitators, organizers, and convention officials.
