An assessment of small-scale fisheries in Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi, southern Philippines

Year 2022, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 10 - 22, 25.06.2022

Hawie Mohammad Jamrun Ebbah Kapunan Sahiyal Albaris Tahıluddın

Abstract

Fishing is the major livelihood of coastal villagers in Tawi-Tawi, southern Philippines due to the fact that Tawi-Tawi is situated in the heart of the coral triangle, the world center of coral reef biodiversity. In this work, small-scale fisheries in Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi, southern Philippines, were assessed. An inventory of fishing gears among the fishers (n=100) was carried out through one-on-one interviews using a guide questionnaire. The inventory included the commonly used fishing gears, their specifications, and commonly caught species. In addition, socio-demographic information of the fishers was also determined. According to results, the majority of the fishers used bottom set gillnet, single hook and line, and spear gun. The common species caught from all surveyed fishing gears were demersal fish species [rabbitfish (Siganus spp.), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus spp., Diagramma spp.), goatfish (Mulloidichthys spp., Parupeneus spp.), common silver-biddy (Gerres oyena), emperor (Lethrinus spp.), and mullet (Osteomugil spp.)], pelagic fish species [skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), frigate tuna (Auxis thazard), bullet tuna (Auxis rochei), eastern little tuna (Euthynnus affinis), giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis), and great barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda)], octopus, and squid. Fishers were all male with an age range from 21-40 years old, mostly married, and obtained only elementary or secondary education. Most fishers were full-time and engaged in the small-scale fisheries as daily sustenance and source of livelihood.

Keywords

Fishing gears, Fishing, Inventory, Philippines, Small-scale fisheries, Tawi-Tawi

References

• Ajik, J. O. & Tahiluddin, A.B. (2021). Size distribution, length-weight relationship, and catch per unit effort of frigate tuna, Auxis thazard (Lacepède, 1800) in Tawi-Tawi waters, southern Philippines, caught using multiple handline. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin, 370-375.
• Arceo, H. O., Cabasan, J. P., Luciano, R. M. A., Heyres, L. J. D., Mamauag, S. S., & Aliño, P. M. (2020). Estimating the potential fisheries production of three offshore reefs in the West Philippine Sea, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science, 149(3), 647-658.
• Baleta, A. N., & Baleta, F. N. (2016). Species composition of marine food fishes at Palanan, Isabela as influence by seasonal variation. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 4(3), 414-420.
• Baleta, F. N., Beltijar, J. G., & Bolaños, J. M. (2017). Design, fabrication and operation of fishing gears used along the coastal areas of Isabela, Philippines. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 5(2), 319-323.
• Balisco, R. A., Tahajudjin, C. J., & Vigonte, A. C. (2019). Fishing gears and their common catch in two coastal areas of Palawan, Philippines: Implications to fisheries management. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 7(2), 216-222.
• Dalzell, P. (1996). Catch rates, selectivity and yields of reef fishing. In Reef fisheries (pp. 161-192). Springer, Dordrecht.
• Dickson, J. O., Siriraksophon, S., Chokesanguan, B., Munprasit, A., Alba, E. B., Prajakjitt, P., & Ruangsivakul, N. (2003). Fishing Gear and Methods in Southeast Asia: III. Philippines Part 1.
• Eyo, J. E., & Akpati, C. I. (1995). Fishing gears and fishing methods. Proceeding of the UNDP assisted Agriculture and rural development programme (Ministry of Agriculture Awka, Anambra State). Training course on Artisanal Fisheries development, held at University of Nigeria Nsukka, 143-167.
• Gaerlan, R. S. P., Buccat, F. G. A., & Ragutero, F. C. (2018). A review on the status of small pelagic fish resources in the Lingayen Gulf for the Year 2009-2013. Law, R. (2000). Fishing, selection, and phenotypic evolution. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 57(3), 659-668.
• Muallil, R. N., Tambihasan, A. M., Enojario, M. J., Ong, Y. N., & Nañola Jr, C. L. (2020). Inventory of commercially important coral reef fishes in Tawi-Tawi Islands, Southern Philippines: The heart of the Coral Triangle. Fisheries Research, 230, 105640.
• Santos, M. D., Barut, N. C., & Bayate, A. D. (2017). National stock assessment program: The Philippine capture fisheries atlas. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute. Quezon City, Philippines, 220.