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

Authors : Hawie MOHAMMAD, Jamrun EBBAH, Kapunan SAHİYAL, Albaris TAHILUDDIN

Pages : 10-22

View : 26 | Download : 41

Publication Date : 2022-06-25

Article Type : Research Paper

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 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(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 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Siganus spp.);, sweetlips insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Plectorhinchus spp., Diagramma spp.);, goatfish insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Mulloidichthys spp., Parupeneus spp.);, common silver-biddy insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Gerres oyena);, emperor insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Lethrinus spp.);, and mullet insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Osteomugil spp.);], pelagic fish species [skipjack tuna insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Katsuwonus pelamis);, frigate tuna insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Auxis thazard);, bullet tuna insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Auxis rochei);, eastern little tuna insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Euthynnus affinis);, giant trevally insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Caranx ignobilis);, and great barracudas insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(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