FISH PROFILE OF BARANGAYS TUBAON, DISTRICT II, MERCEDES AND BALAGAWANIN SILAGO, SOUTHERN LEYTE

Abstract

A total of 71 respondents categorized as artisanal or municipal sector fisherfolks were purposively chosen for the study. There were 31 different species of target fish caught by the fisherfolks in which Threespot angelfish, Rabbit Fish, Emperor, Grouper and Parrot Fish were the most common. Low catch per unit effort (CPUE) recorded in the four study sites was attributed to the traditional fishing gear sedu, the hook and line. Moreover, focus groups discussion results showed that the presence of fishers from other areas who used the fish finder technology and the increasing number of fisherfolks were the reasons for the decrease of the fish catch. The fishing vessels used were classified as municipal fishing boat (3GT or less). The majority (60%) were using non-motorized boats with paddles while the rest (40%) used motorized boats with 6-16HP. Fisherfolks-to-boat ratio was almost 1:1 which ranges from 1:0.89 to 1:1.15. Non-motorized boats were the most abundant fishing vessel used because the fishing ground was just 5-15 km away from shore. The low CPUE found in the four selected Barangays is an indicator of a heavily exploited fishing ground ecosystem and gradually, these resources will totally decline. It is recommended that the local government provides alternative sources of income through livelihood programs to lessen the fishing pressure and to improve the living conditions among the fisherfolks