SAFET Conference 2026 Programme
The 2026 SAFET Conference, co-hosted with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), is a 3-day global gathering of over 300 leaders from government, industry, NGOs, fishers, tech providers, and scientists to learn about the technologies driving sustainability in the sector.
Through interactive panels, roundtables, fireside chats, and real-world technology demonstrations spanning emerging and existing technologies, participants explore the challenges facing practitioners and discover proven and cutting-edge technology solutions for sustainable fisheries.
14:00 to 16:00 PhST – Event check-in
Check-in, receive your badge and welcome pack, and connect with colleagues in the SAFET booth in the Mactan Ballroom foyer.
18:00 to 19:30 PhST – Welcome Reception
Welcome drinks and canapes in an informal setting in the Chapel Garden.
Theme: Responsible Fisheries and Governance
07:30 to 08:15 PhST – Event check-in open
Check-in to receive your badge and welcome pack in the SAFET booth in the Mactan Ballroom foyer.
08:30 to 09:00 PhST – Welcome and Introduction
Location: Marquee
Following prayers and the Philippines National Anthem, there will be several welcoming addresses.
Speakers
- Inga Wise, Executive Director, SAFET
- Message on MANAMo 2026, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.
- Dir. Elizer S. Salilig, MFT, National Director, Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
- Usec Drusila Esther E. Bayate, Undersecretary for Fisheries, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Government
- Michael Watters, Economic and Climate Counsellor, British Embassy Manila
- Steve Addison, Commercial Director, UK CEFAS
09:00 to 09:15 PhST – UK Blue Belt programme
Location: Marquee
Speakers
- Andrew Deary, Head of Compliance and Enforcement, Marine Management Organisation (MMO), UK government
09:20 to 10:40 PhST – Panel “The latest developments in Electronic Monitoring”
Location: Marquee
A panel session featuring some of the leading technology innovators, visionary NGOs, and government implementers discussing the latest developments in technology, use cases, and success stories across Electronic Monitoring.
The panel will feature a 10-minute talk from each speaker then questions from the audience.
Panellists
- Mark Michelin, Director, CEA Consulting (Moderator)
- Carmelo Lepori, International Business Development, Zunibal
- Gjermund Birkeland, Programme Manager, Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries
- Tamre Sarhan, Senior Manager, Australian Fisheries Management Authority
- Manuel Menchaca, Head of Business Development, Satlink
- Robin Prussin, Product Manager, Archipelago
- Vipul Prasad, Co-founder & CEO, OceanBytes
- Laetitia Paugam, Strategic Business Development Manager, Sinay
10:40 to 11:00 PhST – Coffee and Network break
Location: Marquee
11:00 to 12:05 PhST – Panel “Technologies enabling effective and efficient enforcement”
Location: Marquee
A panel session highlighting the latest innovations from technology solution providers supporting efficient and effective enforcement and governance in seafood and fisheries.
The panel will feature a 10-minute talk from each speaker then questions from the audience.
Panellists
- Bubba Cook, Policy Director, Sharks Pacific (Moderator and Presenter)
- Paige Roberts, JAC Program Lead, IMCS Network
- Virgil Zetterlind, Director, Protected Seas
- Scott Coughlin, Managing Director, AirScale Marine
- Gregg Casad, Monitoring Control and Surveillance Advisor, Skylight
12:10 to 13:10 PhST – Panel “SE Asia PSMA implementation and enabling technologies”
Location: Marquee
A panel session to facilitate practitioner exchange on how PSMA is being implemented on the ground, what is proving effective, and where common barriers remain. Drawing on regional experience, it will create space to share approaches, learn across countries, and strengthen relationships that can support more coordinated PSMA delivery and wider regional cooperation, including presenting enabling technologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
The panel will be moderated by OceanMind.
Panellists
- Nick Wise, CEO, OceanMind (Moderator)
- Dr. Leakhena Chin, Deputy Director, Cambodia General Directorate of Fisheries.
- Mr. Glenn Padro, Officer-in-Charge, Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
- Ms. Jitpisut Sanboonpeng, Fisheries MCS Officer, Royal Thai Government Department of Fisheries.
- Jasper Laurente, Intelligence Analyst, OceanMind.
13:10 to 14:00 PhST – Lunch
Lunch and networking in the Tides restaurant.
14:00 to 14:30 PhST – Technology Closing the Gap Between Data and Action Against IUU Fishing
Location: Marquee
Speakers
- Roy Ortega, Chief Fisheries Resources Management Division, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippines.
- Marlito Guidote, Senior Maritime Enforcement Advisor, University of Rhode Island, USA
14:30 to 15:00 PhST – Vietnam Fishing Society Presentation
Location: Marquee
Speakers
- Dr. Phung Duc Tien, President, Vietnam Fishing Society (VINAFIS)
15:00 to 16:00 PhST – Technology and Innovation Showcase
Location: Marquee
A series of 5-to-10-minute technology briefing presentations from the seafood and fisheries sector’s leading innovation companies.
Presenters
- Dr. Vishwanie Maharaj, Director of International Fisheries, WWF
- Kolbeinn Gunnarsson, Director, Trackwell
- Faustino Velasco, Fisheries Technology Sales, Satlink
- Benjamin Woodward, Co-Founder and CEO, Cvision.ai
- Jerry Zariello, CFO/ COO, Certi-Harvest
- Frank Terzoli, CPO/ CSO, Certi-Harvest
16:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Discussion Tables and Roundtable Forums
Location: Marquee and Mactan 2 & 3
Open Discussion Tables are hosted conversations taking place simultaneously across the venue. Delegates are free to join any table, participate in discussions with speakers and fellow attendees, and move between topics throughout the session. The format is informal, interactive, and designed to maximise networking and exchange of ideas.
Click to see the Open Discussion Tables and Side Events schedule.
18:30 to 19:30 PhST – Fireside Chat – Artificial intelligence for seafood and fisheries
Location: Marquee
Speakers
- Gregg Casad, Monitoring Control and Surveillance Advisor, Skylight (Facilitator)
- Amber Cubacub, Lead AI Engineer, CAWIL.AI
- Namrata Kolla, Program Lead, Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence
- Benjamin Woodward, Co-Founder and CEO, Cvision.ai
- Eric Enno Tamm, CEO, This Fish
- Nick Wise, CEO, OceanMind
Theme: Market Dynamics and Fair Value
08:30 to 09:30 PhST – Panel “Building an Ecosystem for Fairer Value Chains”
Location: Marquee
Panellists
- Ingrid Kelling, Programme Director, COAST Facility (Moderator)
- Mirian Denoy, Manager, KAGMAFICO
- Josette Genio, Market & Product Development Specialist, Bluer Seas Philippines
- Mr Fredil Muid, Vice Chairman, Nuronutan Yang Tagbanua tong Calawit
- Rodolfo Mariposque, Assistant Regional Director, DTI-MIMAROPA
09:35 to 10:40 PhST – Panel “Streamlining market access using technology”
Location: Marquee
A panel session featuring the latest technology innovations in the seafood and fisheries sector enabling faster, more efficient, lower cost, more compliant market access strategies.
The panel will feature a 10-minute talk from each speaker then questions from the audience.
Panellists
- Mark Schrope, Director, Schmidt Marine Technology Partners (Moderator)
- Eric Enno Tamm, CEO, This Fish
- Aleksandra Bavdaz, Founder, Sensfish
- Robert Enever, Head of Science, Fishtek Marine
- Hervé Galabert, Fisheries Business Unit Director, CLS
10:40 to 11:00 PhST – Coffee and Network break
Location: Marquee
11:00 to 12:00 PhST – Panel “Electronic monitoring and connectivity for crews at sea”
Location: Marquee
A panel session to discuss how fisheries technologies can move from environmental monitoring tools to integrated systems that also support worker protection, crew welfare, and human rights due diligence.
The panel will be moderated by Ocean Outcomes.
Panellists
- Doohyun Park, Korea Fisheries Senior Officer, Ocean Outcomes (Moderator)
- Mei-Chin Juan, Social Responsibility Coordinator, Ocean Outcomes
- Sharlene Chen, Deputy Director, Humanity Research Consultancy
- Manuel Menchaca, Head of Business Development, Satlink
12:05 to 13:05 PhST – Panel “Technology to support standards implementation”
Location: Marquee
A panel session to bring together perspectives from interoperable data standards, sustainability standards, and government to demonstrate how interoperability can be operationalized in practice, leveraging global standards to strengthen assurance systems, support national implementation, and facilitate trade.
The panel will be moderated by the Institute of Food Technologists.
Panellists
- Blake Harris, Managing Director, IFT Global Food Traceability Center (Moderator)
- Huw Thomas, Executive Director, Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST)
- Catherine Pigeon, Senior Supply Chain Innovation Manager, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
- Lia Sugihartini, Fisheries Quality and Traceability Specialist, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) Government of Indonesia
13:05 to 14:00 PhST – Lunch
Lunch and networking in the Tides restaurant.
14:00 to 14:45 PhST – Panel “Powering the Blue Economy: From Sustainable Fisheries to Marine Energy”
Location: Marquee
Panellists
- Marianne Teoh, Global Team Leader, COAST Facility (Moderator)
- Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, Undersecretary for Finance – Information System and Climate Change, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Philippines government
- Glenda Rumohr-Figueroa, Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development – Philippines government
- Rory Jay Dacumos, Director, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development – Philippines government
- Trina Apaya, Environment and Social Specialist, Arup
14:45 to 15:45 PhST – Panel “Emerging Technologies updates”
Location: Marquee
Panellists
- Mark Michelin, Director, CEA Consulting (Moderator)
- Mariah Meek, Co-Founder and CEO, iCatch
- Madeline Green, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies – University of Tasmania
- Huaijin Chen, Assistant Professor, Computer Science – University of Hawaii
- Erik Franklin, Associate Research Professor, School of Ocean and Earth Science & Technology – University of Hawaii
- Riki MacMillan, Graduate Research Assistant, Computer Science – University of Hawaii
- Dr. Steven Saul, Associate Professor, Arizona State University
- Dr. Iker Zudaire, Senior Researcher, AZTI Foundation
15:45 to 16:05 PhST – Philippines Space Agency VIIRS dark vessel detection
Location: Marquee
Speakers
- Arlo Jayson Sabuito, Science Research Specialist II, Philippines Space Agency
16:05 to 17:05 PhST – Technology and Innovation Showcase
Location: Marquee
A series of 5-to-10-minute technology briefing presentations from the seafood and fisheries sector’s leading innovation companies.
Presenters
- Norichika Kambe, COO, Lighthouse
- Eric Enno Tamm, CEO, This Fish
- Christy Kim, Technical Sales Manager, SUNCOM Co. Ltd.
- Cherry Murillon-Cubacub, CEO, Cawil.Ai
- Michel Dionne, Product Manager – Maritime Insights, MDA Space
- Diego Undurraga, Country Director, Future of Fish
17:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Discussion Tables and Roundtable Forums
Location: Marquee and Mactan 2 & 3
Open Discussion Tables are hosted conversations taking place simultaneously across the venue. Delegates are free to join any table, participate in discussions with speakers and fellow attendees, and move between topics throughout the session. The format is informal, interactive, and designed to maximise networking and exchange of ideas.
Click to see the Open Discussion Tables and Side Events schedule.
18:30 to 19:30 PhST – Fireside Chat – Impact Investment for Sustainable Fisheries
Location: Marquee
Speakers
- Xiao Recio-Blanco, Program Officer, Builders Vision
- Gita Luz, Head of Global Partnerships, Frontier Tech Hub
- Aya Silva, VP Philippines Fish Forever, Rare
- Cherry Murillon-Cubacub, CEO, Cawil.Ai
- Dr. Vishwanie Maharaj, Director of International Fisheries, WWF
- Stuart Green, Founder and CEO, Blue Green Advisors
Theme: Livelihoods and Coastal Communities
08:30 to 09:00 PhST – The Blue Belt programme UKOT’s
Location: Marquee
Speakers
- Andrew Deary, Head of Compliance and Enforcement, Marine Management Organisation (MMO) – UK government
09:00 to 10:00 PhST – Panel “Building Coastal Enterprises for Sustainable Livelihoods”
Location: Marquee
Panellists
- Baxter Duane Hernandez, Investor Associate, Mana Impact Partners (Moderator)
- Rachel Herrera, Commissioner, Philippine Climate Change Commission
- Nadea Nabilla, Founder and CEO, Azura Indonesia
- Ms. Helen Reyes, Blue Loans Officer, Hublag Microfinance Foundation
- Michael Philipps, Co-Founder and Director, Future Fish
10:00 to 10:40 PhST – Organising Across Borders: A Case Study on Labour and Management Cooperation
Location: Marquee
Speakers
- Liu Huang Li-Chuan, Associate Professor of Labor Relations, National Chung Cheng University – Taiwan (Moderator)
- Lin Han Yu, Secretary General, Taiwan Tuna Association
- Chun-Jung Chen, Research Assistant, National Chung Cheng University – Taiwan
- Irene Prissila, Research Assistant, National Chung Cheng University – Taiwan
- Li Kuan Yi, Researcher, Taiwan Distant Water Fisheries Research
10:40 to 11:00 PhST – Coffee and Network break
Location: Marquee
11:00 to 11:50 PhST – Panel “Technologies and lessons from small scale fisheries”
Location: Marquee
A panel session to showcase lessons learnt and case studies from technology implementation in small scale fisheries.
The panel will feature a 10-minute talk from each speaker then questions from the audience.
Panellists
- Kai Garcia Neefjes, Indonesia Lead, International Pole & Line Foundation (Moderator)
- Berenice Garcia Villarreal, Capacity Development Specialist, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Mexico
- Jessie Floren, GIS Specialist, Oceana Philippines
- Harxylen Kinanti Purnomo, Sustainable Fisheries Program Manager, YKAN
- Wildan Ghiffary, Ocean Innovation Technology Manager, YKAN
11:55 to 12:35 PhST – Panel “Investing in sustainable fisheries”
Location: Marquee
A panel session led by UK Frontier Tech Hub featuring investors, ventures, and technologists discussing the startup environment facing organisations innovating in the seafood and fisheries sector.
The panel will be moderated by Frontier Tech Hub.
Panellists
- Gita Luz, Head of Global Partnerships, Frontier Tech Hub (Moderator)
- Aya Silva, VP for the Philippines, RARE
- JT Solis, Co-Founder and CEO, Mayani
- Phil Outram, Technology & Innovation Advisor, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- Baxter Duane Hernandez, Investor Associate, Mana Impact Partners
- Stuart Green, Founder and CEO, Blue Green Advisors
12:35 to 13:05 PhST – DOST-ASTI, Philippines government
Location: Marquee
Speakers
- Eduardo D. Piedad Jr. MSc, Engineer S&T Fellow II, Department of Science & Technology – Advanced Science & Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI)
- Gerwin Guba, Supervising Science & Research Specialist, Department of Science & Technology – Advanced Science & Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI)
13:05 to 14:00 PhST – Lunch
Lunch and networking in the Tides restaurant.
14:00 to 15:00 PhST – Data to Stewardship: Technology for Community-Led Fisheries
Location: Marquee
A panel led by Rare exploring how technology can become a catalyst for stronger community-led fisheries management. Bringing together technology providers, local government and protected area managers, and community representatives, the discussion will examine what it takes for fisheries technologies to move beyond pilot projects and become embedded in everyday management and decision-making.
Rather than showcasing the technologies themselves, the panel will focus on the conditions that enable long-term impact—from creating value for users and building trust, to ensuring inclusive participation, strengthening local ownership, and translating data into better management decisions. Through experiences from technology providers and implementers, the session will explore how technology can empower communities and local institutions to co-manage fisheries, improve compliance, and support more sustainable fisheries over time.
Panellists
- Christopher Lomboy, Senior Director, RARE (Moderator)
- Casha de Vos, Monitor Platform and Data Lead, ABALOBI
- Bernardete de Fonseca, Timor-Leste Director, Blue Ventures Conservation
- Daisy Marie M. Gesim, City Agriculturist, Local Government Unit (LGU) Bais – Philippines government
- Rosela Trigo, Senior Ecosystem Management Specialist-TSPS PAMO
15:00 to 15:30 PhST – From Compliance to Advantage: Financing the Fisheries Businesses That Can Sustain
Location: Marquee
Speakers
- Stuart Green, Founder and CEO, Blue Green Advisors
15:30 to 16:30 PhST – Technology and Innovation Showcase
Location: Marquee
A series of 5-to-10-minute technology briefing presentations from the seafood and fisheries sector’s leading innovation companies.
Presenters
- Benjamin So, CEO, Zeal Industries
- Dr. Chris Wilcox, Marine Program Lead, Wildaid
- Salifu Daniel Eyiojotule, Founder, AquaProX Africa
- Dr. Chris Cusack, Director – Oceans Technology Solutions, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Fishing Vessel Observer Network (FVON)
- Xavier Lawrance, CEO, Odaku
- Vienna Saccomanno, Senior Scientist, The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
16:30 to 18:00 PhST – Open Discussion Tables and Roundtable Forums
Location: Mactan ballrooms 1, 2 & 3
Open Discussion Tables are hosted conversations taking place simultaneously across the venue. Delegates are free to join any table, participate in discussions with speakers and fellow attendees, and move between topics throughout the session. The format is informal, interactive, and designed to maximise networking and exchange of ideas.
Click to see the Open Discussion Tables and Side Events schedule.
19:00 to 22:00 PhST – Closing Ceremony Dinner
Location: Marquee
The closing dinner with entertainment.