Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment of Milkfish Fry Fishery in Selected Sites in Argao and Bantayan, Cebu, Philippines

The province of Cebu is endowed with rich fisheries resources and is one of the known milkfish fry-producing areas in the Philippines. Milkfish fry fishery is one of the most critical industries in the country, and it provides livelihood to many coastal communities. However, with the global climate change threat, coastal areas serving as milkfish fry grounds are at risk. This study assessed milkfish fry fishery sites in Argao and Bantayan using a Fisheries Vulnerability Assessment Tool (FishVool). Vulnerability assessment tools aid in identifying risks, impacts, and possible climate change adaptation strategies. The results showed that the milkfish fry fishery sectors in Guiwanon, Argao, and Sungko, Bantayan in Cebu have a low- and medium overall vulnerability to climate change, respectively. In both sites, medium sensitivity and medium adaptive capacity were observed. However, the assessment also revealed different vulnerability variables responsible for the fishery's overall vulnerability index in each site. This could serve as a basis for identifying priority areas for localized and climate-resilient management plans for the milkfish fry fishery.