SAFET Conference 2026
Open Tables and Side Events
Open Discussion Tables are hosted conversations taking place simultaneously across the venue. Delegates are free to join any open 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.
Several invite only side events will also be taking place alongside the Open Discussion Tables.
15:30 to 16:00 PhST – Side Event: Enabling coordinated action on marine governance commitments in Southeast Asia
Location: Invite Only
Syndra is a technical assistance program focused on helping governments strengthen practical cooperation on shared ocean priorities. This session will introduce a new approach to supporting countries as they turn international marine commitments into coordinated action, with a particular focus on the practical capabilities and technologies needed to protect shared marine ecosystems, strengthen compliance, and improve cross-border collaboration. The event will be an opportunity for governments and partners to learn more about the program, explore how it could support national and regional priorities, and discuss how to collaborate and help shape the next phase.
Speakers
- Nick Wise, Founder & CEO, OceanMind
16:00 to 18:00 PhST – Side Event: The MCS Challenge led by the UK Marine Management Organisation
Location: Invite Only
An invite only workshop led by the UK’s Marine Management Organisation for MCS professionals and government agencies. If you are interested in joining the workshop as a government MCS official please contact info@safet.fish.
Speakers
- Andrew Deary, Head of Compliance and Enforcement, Marine Management Organisation (MMO) – UK government
16:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: The latest developments in Electronic Monitoring
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from the earlier “The latest developments in Electronic Monitoring” panel presentations.
This is an opportunity to meet with some of the leading technology innovators, visionary NGOs, and government implementers to discuss applications and challenges for Electronic Monitoring in real time and learn from people actively deploying solutions today.
Participants
- Carmelo Lepori, International Business Development, Zunibal
- Gjermund Birkeland, Programme Manager, Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries
- Per Wangensten, Senior Advisor, 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
16:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Technologies enabling effective and efficient enforcement
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from the earlier “Technologies enabling effective and efficient enforcement” panel presentations.
This is an opportunity to meet with the technology solution providers supporting efficient and effective enforcement and governance in seafood and fisheries, learn more about their solutions and challenges in real time and learn from the people actively deploying technology today.
Participants
- Paige Roberts, JAC Program Lead, IMCS Network
- Bubba Cook, Policy Director, Sharks Pacific
- Scott Coughlin, Managing Director, AirScale Marine
- Gregg Casad, Monitoring Control and Surveillance Advisor, Skylight
16:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Technology and Innovation Showcase Speakers
Location: Mactan Ballroom II
This drop-in discussion table features the presenters from the earlier Technology and Innovation Showcase presentations.
This is an opportunity to meet with the technology solution providers, learn more about their solutions and challenges in real time and learn from the people actively deploying technology today.
Participants
- 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 Table: Tools for monitoring small scale, coastal fishing
Location: Mactan Ballroom II
Representatives from ProtectedSeas will host an informal discussion table where attendees can explore their innovative marine conservation technologies in greater depth. Learn how Navigator, a global database of marine protected areas and ocean regulations, is helping improve transparency and understanding of marine protections worldwide, and discover how Marine Monitor (M2) provides nearshore vessel monitoring and situational awareness to support marine management and enforcement efforts. Whether you are working in marine conservation, fisheries management, maritime enforcement, spatial planning, or ocean policy, this is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss practical applications, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations with the team behind these widely used ocean information tools.
Participants
- Virgil Zetterlind, Director, Protected Seas
16:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Vietnam Fishing Society VINAFIS
Location: Mactan Ballroom II
Representatives from the Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS) will host an informal discussion table where attendees can learn more about the opportunities and challenges facing Vietnam’s fisheries sector. This is an opportunity to engage directly with experts working at the intersection of fisheries management, sustainable development, seafood supply chains, and international fisheries governance. Participants are invited to discuss emerging priorities, practical experiences, and collaborative approaches to strengthening fisheries sustainability, supporting fishing communities, improving compliance with international commitments, and advancing responsible ocean stewardship.
Participants
- Dr. Phung Duc Tien, President, Vietnam Fishing Society (VINAFIS)
15:30 to 16:30 PhST – Side Event: Real world challenges and safeguarding GEDSI in the context of fisheries management and enforcement
Location: Mactan Ballroom I
This interactive workshop will explore real-world challenges in safeguarding gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) within fisheries management and enforcement. Building on recent UK MMO-led GEDSI training in Vietnam, the session will introduce key GEDSI concepts, language, and practical tools, including the MMO-developed GEDSI Toolkit. Participants will consider how GEDSI and safeguarding issues, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment risks, are experienced, reported, escalated, and managed across different organisational levels, from frontline fisheries officers to senior managers and policymakers. Through anonymous polling, facilitated discussion, and practical case-study exercises, the workshop will help participants identify realistic actions to strengthen GEDSI practice, reporting mechanisms, and safeguarding frameworks within their own organisations.
For more information and to register contact – Dr. Sarah Allison Sarah.Allison@marinemanagement.org.uk
Participants
- Dr. Sarah Allison, Integrated Marine Manager, Marine Management Organisation (MMO) (Facilitator)
16:30 to 18:00 PhST – Side Event: Bridging the Fisheries Technology Divide
Location: Mactan Ballroom I
Bridging the Fisheries Technology Divide brings together government fisheries representatives and technology experts to explore how emerging technologies can support stronger regional cooperation across Southeast Asia. The session will consider regional priorities for technology adoption alongside practical case studies in areas including fisheries monitoring, traceability and data management, with discussion on how technology can strengthen cross-border coordination, market access and support for coastal and small-scale fishing communities.
For more information and to register contact – contact@primasamudera.com
Participants
- Jeremy Crawford, Advisor, Prima Advisors
- Farid Maruf, Advisor, Prima Advisors
- Representative, Executive Director, The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF)
- Representative, Division Head for Training and Research, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC)
- Paige Roberts, Joint Analytical Cell Programme Lead (JAC), IMCS Network
- Huw Thomas, Executive Director, Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST)
- Stuart Green, Founder and CEO, Blue Green Advisors
17:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Building an Ecosystem for Fairer Value Chains
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from the earlier “Building an Ecosystem for Fairer Value Chains” panel presentations.
Participants
- Ingrid Kelling, Programme Director, COAST Facility
- 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
17:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Streamlining market access using technology
Location: Mactan Ballroom II
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from the earlier “Streamlining market access using technology” panel presentations.
Participants
- Eric Enno Tamm, CEO, This Fish
- Aleksandra Bavdaz, Founder, Sensfish
- Robert Enever, Head of Science, Fishtek Marine
- Hervé Galabert, Fisheries Business Unit Director, CLS
17:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Electronic monitoring and connectivity for crews at sea
Location: Mactan Ballroom II
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from the earlier “Electronic monitoring and connectivity for crews at sea” panel presentations.
Participants
- Doohyun Park, Korea Fisheries Senior Officer, Ocean Outcomes
- Mei-Chin Juan, Social Responsibility Coordinator, Ocean Outcomes
- Sharlene Chen, Deputy Director, Humanity Research Consultancy
- Manuel Menchaca, Head of Business Development, Satlink
17:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: SE Asia PSMA implementation and enabling technologies
Location: Mactan Ballroom II
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from Tuesday’s “SE Asia PSMA implementation and enabling technologies” panel presentations.
Participants
- Nick Wise, CEO, OceanMind
- His Excellency Hong Hy, Advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia
- 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.
- Ms. Nalinee Uisuwan, Fisheries MCS Officer, Royal Thai Government Department of Fisheries.
- Jasper Laurente, Intelligence Analyst, OceanMind.
17:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Technology to support standards implementation
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from the earlier “Technology to support standards implementation” panel presentations.
Participants
- Blake Harris, Managing Director, IFT Global Food Traceability Center
- 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
17:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Emerging Technologies updates
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from the earlier “Emerging Technologies updates” panel presentations.
Participants
- 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
17:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Technology and Innovation Showcase speakers
Location: Mactan Ballroom II
This drop-in discussion table features the presenters from the earlier Technology and Innovation Showcase presentations.
Participants
- Norichika Kambe, COO, Lighthouse
- Christy Kim, Technical Sales Manager, SUNCOM Co. Ltd.
- Cherry Murillon-Cubacub, CEO, Cawil.Ai
17:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Tools for monitoring small scale, coastal fishing
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
Representatives from ProtectedSeas will host an informal discussion table where attendees can explore their innovative marine conservation technologies in greater depth. Learn how Navigator, a global database of marine protected areas and ocean regulations, is helping improve transparency and understanding of marine protections worldwide, and discover how Marine Monitor (M2) provides nearshore vessel monitoring and situational awareness to support marine management and enforcement efforts. Whether you are working in marine conservation, fisheries management, maritime enforcement, spatial planning, or ocean policy, this is an opportunity to ask questions, discuss practical applications, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations with the team behind these widely used ocean information tools.
Participants
- Virgil Zetterlind, Director, Protected Seas
17:00 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Fisheries Monitoring and Computer Vision
Location: Mactan Ballroom II
Benjamin Woodward, Co-Founder and CEO of CVision AI, will host an informal discussion table for attendees interested in the application of computer vision and artificial intelligence to fisheries monitoring and marine management. Join the conversation to explore how advances in video analytics, image processing, and machine learning are helping transform the collection and analysis of fisheries data, support electronic monitoring programmes, and improve transparency across seafood supply chains.
Participants
- Benjamin Woodward, Co-Founder and CEO, CVision AI
14:00 to 16:30 PhST – Side Event: Sustainable Fisheries Partnerships
Location: Mactan Ballroom I
Bycatch Reduction Tech – Making good solutions work within supply chain dynamics.
The solutions work. The harder problem is making them work within market and supply chain dynamics. That means funding them sustainably, communicating their impact to buyers and suppliers, and moving data through the chain so support doesn’t rely on one-off attention. This session centers on that first challenge, then works through data flow with Zunibal and co-financing with Finance Earth.
The session will cover measuring and communicating impact, data flow and co-financing. Participating organisations include SFP, AZTI, Finance Earth, Southern Seabird Trust, Zunibal and Bluer Seas Philippines.
Open-door format. All SAFET attendees are welcome.
For more information and to register contact – cody.pajunen@sustainablefish.org
Participants
- Cody Pajunen, Fisheries Policy and Information Analyst, Sustainable Fisheries Partnerships (SFP)
16:30 to 18:00 PhST – Side Event: Fishing Vessel Observing Network – Designing an Ocean Observing System for Coastal and Fishery Resilience
Location: Mactan Ballroom I
The Fishing Vessel Ocean Observing Network (FVON) partners with the fishing industry to collect high-quality ocean data in hard-to-reach coastal and shelf regions. It is a proven method for scaling up cost-effective ocean data, along with the information that improves typhoon forecasts, protects thriving ecosystems, and powers sustainable fisheries.
FVON is an emerging network of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) of UNESCO and an Action of the UN Ocean Decade through the CoastPredict programme.
Open to all. For more information and to register contact – autaylor@edf.org
Participants
- Dr. Chris Cusack, Director – Oceans Technology Solutions, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Fishing Vessel Observer Network (FVON)
- Aubrey Taylor, Secretariat, Fishing Vessel Observing Network (FVON)
16:00 to 16:30 PhST – Side Event: Frontier Tech Hub – FIRST Fund
Location: Mactan Ballroom II
First Access, First Say: an introduction to the FIRST Fund.
Join a 30-minute intro on the FIRST Fund, lessons from our first portfolio — parametric insurance for fishers and farmers in Vietnam and the Philippines — and early insights from our second open call. Get first access to a de-risked pipeline of ventures and join a community backing climate adaptation and agri-fisheries finance in Southeast Asia.
The FIRST Fund for Adaptation Finance backs early-stage, tech-enabled solutions at the breakpoints in the food supply chain — where farmers, fishers and downstream businesses can’t absorb climate shocks or invest in climate-proofing their operations.
For more information and to register contact – gita@hellobrink.co
Participants
- Gita Luz, Head of Global Partnerships, Frontier Tech Hub
16:30 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Building Coastal Enterprises for Sustainable Livelihoods
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from the earlier “Building Coastal Enterprises for Sustainable Livelihoods” panel presentations.
Participants
- Baxter Duane Hernandez, Investor Associate, Mana Impact Partners
- 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
16:30 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Organising Across Borders: A Case Study on Labour and Management Cooperation
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
This drop-in discussion table features the speakers from the earlier “Organising Across Borders: A Case Study on Labour and Management Cooperation” presentations.
Participants
- Liu Huang Li-Chuan, Associate Professor of Labor Relations, National Chung Cheng University – Taiwan
- 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
16:30 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Technologies and lessons from small scale fisheries
Location: Mactan Ballroom II
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from the earlier “Technologies and lessons from small scale fisheries” panel presentations.
Participants
- Kai Garcia Neefjes, Indonesia Lead, International Pole & Line Foundation
- 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
16:30 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Investing in sustainable fisheries
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from the earlier “Investing in sustainable fisheries” panel presentations.
Participants
- Gita Luz, Head of Global Partnerships, Frontier Tech Hub
- 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
16:30 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Data to Stewardship: Technology for Community-Led Fisheries Management
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
This drop-in discussion table features the panellists from the earlier “Technology That Empowers: Lessons from the Last Mile OR Data to Stewardship: Technology for Community-Led Fisheries Management” panel presentations.
Participants
- Christopher Lomboy, Senior Director, RARE
- 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
16:30 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: From Compliance to Advantage: Financing the Fisheries Businesses That Can Sustain
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
This drop-in discussion table features the speakers from the earlier “From Compliance to Advantage: Financing the Fisheries Businesses That Can Sustain” presentations.
Participants
- Stuart Green, Founder and CEO, Blue Green Advisors
16:30 to 18:00 PhST – Open Table: Technology and Innovation Showcase speakers
Location: Mactan Ballroom II
This drop-in discussion table features the speakers from the earlier Technology and Innovation Showcase Presentations.
Participants
- 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 Table: Fisheries Monitoring and Computer Vision
Location: Mactan Ballroom III
Benjamin Woodward, Co-Founder and CEO of CVision AI, will host an informal discussion table for attendees interested in the application of computer vision and artificial intelligence to fisheries monitoring and marine management. Join the conversation to explore how advances in video analytics, image processing, and machine learning are helping transform the collection and analysis of fisheries data, support electronic monitoring programmes, and improve transparency across seafood supply chains.
Participants
- Benjamin Woodward, Co-Founder and CEO, CVision AI