Fishing Practices of Freshwater Prawn Collectors at Ligawasan Marsh, Southern Philippines

Ligawasan Marsh, the largest wetland in Southern Philippines, serves as a critical resource for local communities, providing water for agriculture, fishing, and other livelihood activities. Spanning Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and parts of Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, the marsh plays a vital role in both the local economy and ecosystem. Freshwater prawns are among the key aquatic resources harvested, yet scientific data on fishing practices and the socio-demographic characteristics of prawn collectors remain limited. This study, conducted from January to December 2023, aimed to address this knowledge gap by assessing prawn collection methods and fisher demographics. A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising structured questionnaires, participant observation, and key informant interviews (KIIs) with a total of 126 respondents, ensuring a minimum of 30 participants from each of the three marsh areas to achieve balanced geographic representation. Results revealed that the majority of prawn collectors were between 31 and 40 years old, possessed primary-level education, and supported large households with an average monthly income of PhP 9,183.13 to PhP 12,427.73. The most commonly employed fishing gear included fish traps (62.46%), followed by harvesting nets (15.94%), cast nets (11.57%), and fish pots (10.03%). Grated coconut was the preferred bait among respondents, used by 88.05% of fishers to enhance the efficiency of their traps. Seasonal and lunar cycles significantly influenced fishing activity, with higher prawn abundance reported during the rainy season (87.45%) and peak harvesting during the new moon phase (56.31%). These findings provide valuable insights into the prawn fishing practices in Ligawasan Marsh, informing future resource management and sustainability initiatives.