ISUFST professor presents sustainable Barnea dilatata study

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In Iloilo’s fishing town of Ajuy, Barnea dilatata—a lesser-known shellfish—has emerged as a promising source of livelihood and conservation.

Prof. Cjay B. Soliven of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) presented his study on sustaining the species through an ecosystem approach during the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) Training on Essential Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) and Training of Trainers (TOT) last Aug. 28, 2025, at Park Inn by Radisson in Iloilo City.

The training, which runs from Aug. 25 to Sept. 5 in Iloilo City, gathered fisheries professionals nationwide.

Its goal was to equip them with tools to apply EAFM as a framework that safeguards marine ecosystems while ensuring the survival of coastal communities.

It also sought to build a pool of trainers who can cascade EAFM practices to coastal communities and fisheries stakeholders across the country.

Soliven, who teaches at ISUFST’s College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, shared his research titled “The Path Forward: Establishing an Ecosystem Approach for Sustainable Barnea dilatata Fisheries in Ajuy, Iloilo, Philippines.”

The presentation built on an earlier study, “Unveiling a New ‘Diwal’ Resource: Exploring the Fishery Potential of Barnea dilatata (Souleyet, 1843) in Iloilo, Philippines,” led by Mary Mar N. Payne with Jescel B. Bito-onon, Edgar M. Hortillosa, Jason O. Albances, Soliven, Rico Ian D. To-ong, Grieco C. Gutierrez, and Vanica P. Boglosa.

Together, the ISUFST team continues to pursue initiatives that highlight the species’ ecological role and economic potential while promoting sustainable management and conservation.

“Our research aims to provide a starting point: knowing how Barnea dilatata lives, how it supports the ecosystem, and what it can mean for local economies, so we can recommend responsible fishing and management,” Soliven said.

He noted that their work documented the species’ distribution, harvesting practices, and marketing channels in northern Iloilo, providing critical insights for policymakers and local fishers.

“Yes, the challenges are big, but so is our capacity to act,” Soliven added.

“The decline of our seas is not a problem for the future—it is our present reality. The establishment of an ecosystem approach for fisheries management is the single most important step we can take to ensure the survival and prosperity of the Barnea dilatata fishery and the vibrant coastal community of Ajuy, Iloilo. We cannot afford to wait. The time for action is now.”

At its core, EAFM, promoted by DOST-PCAARRD, asks one question: How can we care for the seas without forgetting the people who depend on them?

EAFM links research with action by integrating science, governance, and community.

At Park Inn, participants spent the first week—and are set for another week—discussing fisheries threats, compliance issues, blue economy strategies, and action planning tied to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Resource persons included experts from leading institutions in the Philippines and abroad.

Through its participation, ISUFST signaled its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water.

With its mission of taking science to action, the university continues to support fisherfolk and their families who rely on the sea.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. expressed pride in Soliven’s role, stressing how it reflects the university’s engagement in both national and international arenas.

“Our faculty’s involvement in programs like this affirms ISUFST’s vision to lead in fisheries science and technology, and also contribute solutions that balance ecological integrity and people’s livelihoods,” he said.

This message matched the crux of the training: the future of fisheries is a collective endeavor.

Academe, government, and fishing communities must work together if Philippine seas are to remain a lifeline for millions. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)