Catch trends of small-scale fishers near marine protected areas in southeastern Philippines

Fishers are highly dependent on marine resources regarding food and income, which can lead to resource over-exploitation. Coral bleaching, climate change impacts, overfishing, marine pollution, and illegal fishing all pose threats to marine ecosystems, calling for conservation initiatives like the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). This study focused on the catch trends of small-scale fishers located nearby to MPAs in Mati, Mabini, San Isidro, and Lupon, southeastern Philippines. It describes the catch trends and fishing effort (CPUE) in the locally managed MPAs in Davao region and some of its implications. Data collection was conducted through actual landed catch surveys based on participatory catch assessment. The fishing gears represented in the study sites included fish traps, spear guns, longline, troll line, hook and line, multiple handlines, and gill net. The catch frequency from the different study sites was quantified (Mati = 2.1-4.0 kg trip-1, Lupon = 10.1-20.0 kg trip-1, San Isidro = 2.1-4.0 kg trip-1, Mabini = 0.1-2.0 kg trip-1) and showed declining trends. Such circumstances call for strict enforcement of the no-fishing zones within the established MPAs to generate greater yields in the long-term and benefits for the local communities. Moreover, there is a need for accurate record-keeping using databases for all the MPAs because documenting MPA recovery relies on credible data sources. Well-protected MPAs have shown abundant fisheries yield and healthy marine ecosystems that foster eco-tourism and enhance awareness on marine conservation. Ecotourism activities within the MPAs may help balance out the spatial and economic displacement of fishers that previously fish in the MPAs sites.