ISUFST Scientist Highlights Marine Research at France Congress

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For the first time on the world stage, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology was represented at the One Ocean Science Congress, held June 3 to 6, 2025, in Nice, France.

Dr. Mary Mar Noblezada Payne, faculty researcher from ISUFST’s College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, presented at the congress, which served as a major scientific precursor to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference.

More than 2,000 scientists from around the world gathered to address ocean-related concerns and offer science-based responses to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Organized by France’s National Centre for Scientific Research and the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea, the event provided scientific insights to guide policy decisions related to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

The One Ocean Science Congress was a special event of the UN Ocean Conference, which followed from June 9 to 13, also in Nice.

Dr. Payne, a Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research scholar and lead investigator of ISUFST’s DOST-PCAARRD Biodiversity and Molecular Laboratory, delivered a presentation titled “Unveiling Marine Biodiversity in the Philippines through DNA Metabarcoding: A Contribution to Global Biodiversity Discovery and Inventory.”

She highlighted the Philippines’ rich but threatened marine ecosystems and emphasized the role of genomic tools in conservation, biodiversity assessment and sustainability in Southeast Asia.

“This opportunity was more than just a platform to present data,” Dr. Payne said.

“It was a chance to show that institutions like ISUFST, though geographically small, are globally significant contributors to ocean science and solutions.”

ISUFST’s participation aligns with its mandate as the country’s first and only state university for fisheries, recognized by CHED and international accrediting bodies for its leadership in fisheries education, community development and environmental innovation.

With inclusive graduate and undergraduate programs, the university advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals through research, global partnerships and extension initiatives.

Other Filipino delegates included scientists from the UP Marine Science Institute, UP Visayas, Catanduanes State University, Oceana Philippines and the Sulubaai Environmental Foundation.

Alongside researchers from Norway, the U.S. and France, they joined over 30 roundtable discussions on marine policy, climate resilience and science diplomacy.

The congress took place at historic venues in Nice, including Quai Infernet and Palais des Expositions, and featured more than 500 oral presentations and 600 scientific posters.

It concluded with globally streamed keynote sessions urging collective action to protect marine ecosystems as vital shared resources.

Dr. Payne’s participation elevated ISUFST’s presence in the global science community and opened doors for future collaborations in biodiversity and genomics research.

Her presentation reflects the university’s vision of delivering science-driven, sustainable solutions both nationally and internationally.