Fish catch assessment of the nine fish species at Ligawasan Marsh, North Cotabato, Philippines

Farmers’ nine important fishes were assessed to determine relative abundance from data of fish catch landings and catch per unit effort (CPUE) in Ligawasan marsh from January to March 2022. The study gathered data from total fish catch landings, gear selectivity, catch per unit effort (CPUE) and length-weight relationship from fish catch landings. Results of the study showed that mudfish (Channa striata), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were the abundant species in the marsh. Gear selectivity was observed in some species. Length-weight relationship was compared to a similar wetland data. Shorter range for length were found in Ligawasan marsh fish species except for gourami (Trichopterus trichogaster) compared in the report from the study in Agusan marsh. The present study can provide baseline data on relative abundance of fish resources present in the marsh which can be used as reference to develop policy on sustainable management based in Ligawasan marsh, North Cotabato, Philippines.