DR. JULITA R. Ungson, scientist and dean of the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology, will present a paper in the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET) to be held at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom, July 11-14.

The IIFET is the most attended event in the field of fisheries economics and management where there is impressive attendance of world renowned experts and representatives of funding institutions. It provides a forum for participants to discuss the current state of the world’s fisheries resources and to exchange ideas on the best means to rebuild those that have been damaged by natural disasters or human activities.

Ungson will present her paper entitled “An economic assessment of sea urchin culture in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines”. Sea urchin is one of the major fishery resources in the world. The demand for sea urchin is rapidly expanding in many countries because of the high demand for its gonacs or roe. Ungson’s paper presents an economic assessment of the sea urchin culture activity focusing on investment cost and income generated. The data shows that sea urchin culture is an economically feasible investment and thus recommended as an alternative livelihood for fishermen in coastal areas in the Philippines. It requires low capital investment and yields high economic return.

The IIFET conference will give Dr. Ungson an opportunity to interact and possibly establish linkage with other experts in the discipline and be updated on recent trends in fisheries management.

The Commission on Higher Education will provide travel assistance to Dr. Ungson.