From January 26 to February 2, 2025, Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, Director of the Research and Innovation Institute, joined the Philippine delegation in a benchmarking activity in Japan as part of the project collaboration titled "Assessing and Accelerating: Towards the Full Implementation of the FAO Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines (SSF Guidelines) in the Philippines." The project was led by Professor Alice Joan Ferrer of the University of the Philippines Visayas, with project members from Partido State University, Batangas State University ARASOF Campus, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, and Mindanao State University at Naawan.

The delegation sought to gain firsthand insights into Japan’s implementation of the SSF Guidelines, understand its impact on the country’s small-scale fisheries sector, and identify key lessons and challenges. Organized by the Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) Japan, the visit focused on small-scale and coastal fisheries, fostering knowledge exchange and international collaboration. They engaged with key Japanese fisheries organizations, discussing policies, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks. Meetings with industry stakeholders, including the Japanese Institute of Fisheries Infrastructure and Fisheries Mutual Aid Association, deepened their understanding of the sector.

A visit to a Fisheries Vocational High School highlighted education’s role in fisheries, while site visits to cooperatives like Mochimune and Marukaj provided practical insights into Japan’s fisheries value chain. In Shizuoka Prefecture, engagements with local government and cooperatives, along with a cultural Edo-Mae Sushi experience, enriched their knowledge of sustainable practices. At Tokai University, the delegation toured the training ship Boseimary and met with Girls Who Fish Japan, emphasizing women’s contributions to fisheries. The visit reinforced shared commitments to sustainability and small-scale fishers’ livelihoods.

Through this benchmarking initiative, the Philippine delegation gained invaluable insights that they can recommend on the proper implementation framework of the SSF Guidelines in the Philippines, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable fisheries sector.