The 2025 International Symposium of Tropical Fish Ecological Conservation and Biodiversity (ISTFECB 2025) was successfully held on May 16, 2025 (Friday) at National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU). The event was co-organized by the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) and the Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute (TBRI). The symposium showcased the achievements of international and domestic collaborations in aquatic fish diversity research and the significant scientific progress that has been made in this field. The symposium covered a broad range of topics including tropical fish ecology, conservation, and biodiversity. Experts and scholars from six countries—Taiwan, New Zealand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea—participated in the event, presenting 17 oral research papers and 25 poster sessions. A number of distinguished ichthyologists were invited to share their latest findings. The presentations, spanning newly identified and newly recorded species, as well as the application of molecular biology techniques to ecological surveys and phylogenetic identification, were among the symposium's highlights.
Research presented during the event integrated ecological conservation and biodiversity studies from Taiwan into Southeast Asian rivers and marine areas, including collaborative work in the waters of Taiping Island (Itu Aba) in the Nansha (Spratly) Islands. These joint efforts have led to the discovery of over 15 new coral reef fish species worldwide, as well as the identification of new genera and at least 2 new goby species in Taiwan’s waters. In addition, studies on the genus Luciogobius have yielded more than 8 species with voucher specimens, greatly expanding the nation’s catalog of marine biodiversity. In addition, the NTOU research team presented over 2 newly identified freshwater fish species discovered in Taiwanese waters, 3 new freshwater species from the waters of Fujian Province in China, and more than 2 new benthic goby species found in Philippine waters. Experts from Southeast Asia also announced several newly discovered and newly recorded fish species, enriching the global inventory of tropical ichthyofauna. The symposium achieved remarkable results, showcasing not only Taiwan’s strong research capacity in marine ecology but also the international community’s growing commitment to advancing fish ecology and conservation studies. It is hoped that these research outcomes will help inform policymaking, promote sustainable development, and ultimately safeguard the health and stability of marine ecosystems, ensuring that future generations may continue to enjoy the abundant resources of the ocean.