Fisheries Management Arrangements and Socio-ecological Conditions of Otolithes ruber (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) Fishery in San Miguel Bay, Philippines

This study analyzed the prevailing fisheries management arrangements of coastal municipalities along eight major policies, using 32 indicators, as they influenced the socio-ecological condition of Otolithes ruber fishery in San Miguel Bay, Philippines. Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were conducted among local government officials and members of Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils across seven municipalities. On-board surveys and observations (fishing trips) were conducted from the selected barangays surrounding the Bay. Morphometric characteristics of O. ruber samples were assessed in terms of size (length and weight), sex type, and sexual maturity. The level of development of fisheries management in San Miguel Bay municipalities is still in established and strengthened status. While expectation in the aspects of legislation and regulations and restrictions were partly met, more areas on fisheries management still need improvement particularly in terms of coastal management planning, law enforcement, and monitoring and evaluation. With the prevailing fisheries management arrangements and policies, O. ruber contributed to about 2%-2.5% to the total catch and its trend is declining yearly. Overfishing and decline of fish stock were evident in the Bay that can be attributed to unregulated, destructive and illegal fishing activities. Resource use and access conflicts among varying and increasing number of fisherfolk were also among the challenges in the Bay. Both municipal and commercial fisherfolk compete for fishing ground that resulted to changes in fishing practices and efforts and inequalities in distribution of benefits (catch and income) across the municipalities. The adverse changes in the coastal habitats and decline in fish stocks and/or catch among small-scale fisherfolk currently observed in San Miguel Bay require for a unified fishery ordinance and comprehensive coastal and fishery management plan to ensure integrated or collaborative conservation efforts.