BFAR, British Embassy Manila promotes fisheries innovation, global collaboration on SAFET 2026
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and the British Embassy in Manila have partnered to co-host the Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies (SAFET) Conference 2026, which runs from September 8 to 10 in Cebu.
The event will bring together world-leading expertise from the UK’s Marine Management Organization (MMO) and the Center for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) with real-world experience from the Philippines to promote sustainable fishing and aquaculture, responsible seafood sourcing, green finance linked to marine protected areas, and emerging opportunities from the ocean.
The partnership underscores the shared commitment between the Philippines and the United Kingdom to address the challenges most pressing the Indo-Pacific fisheries sector.
“SAFET 2026 demonstrates the Philippines’ commitment to building a modern fisheries sector where technology directly benefits people and the environment. Working with our global partners, we aim to accelerate practical innovations that strengthen fisheries governance, improve seafood traceability, conserve marine resources, and create better opportunities for our fishermen and coastal communities,” said BFAR National Director Elizer Satellig.
“We welcome our partners from around the world to join us in Cebu as we work together to turn innovation into meaningful action,” said Inga Wise, SAFET Executive Director.
“We cannot solve the complex challenges facing our oceans in stocks. The SAFET conference is a unique meeting place where market-driven technology meets government initiative. By bringing global technology innovators to the table and fisheries authorities, we foster the partnerships needed to build seafood supply chains that are transparent, resilient and protect sustainable coastal life.”
Through SAFET 2026, BFAR and the British Embassy in Manila will conduct a dialogue that includes coastal communities, technology developers, and policy makers, to ensure that new tools are accessible, scalable, and tailored to the needs of the local fisheries sector.
“The challenges facing the global fisheries industry require strong collaboration and smart solutions. SAFET 2026 provides a unique platform where governments, scientists, technology innovators, industry leaders, and fishing communities can work together to transform promising technologies into practical actions that strengthen the fisheries sector. We are proud that the Philippines is hosting this important global discussion and invite everyone to join us in shaping a Philippinessustainable fishe Fishing for Drusila Esther Bayate.
Developing the Digital Shift
The SAFET conference theme “From Innovation to Implementation: Empowering More Responsible Fisheries, Markets, and Livelihoods,” reflects the transformation of the Philippine fisheries sector from manual processes to a complete digital ecosystem.
BFAR is currently leading this change through the use of advanced tools, including the Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability System (eCDTS) and the Fisheries Integrated Information Management Center-Vessel Monitoring System (FIIMC-VMS).
By incorporating the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite imaging, and IoT-enabled monitoring, the Bureau strengthens law enforcement, combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and ensures that Philippine seafood meets the highest international trade standards.
As the Philippines advances its digital transformation, SAFET 2026 affirms the country’s growing leadership in science-based fisheries management and its commitment to building a sustainable, transparent, and prosperous future for all stakeholders in the Philippines.
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