DAVAO ORIENTAL STATE UNIVERSITY BANAYBANAY EXTENSION CAMPUS

Poblacion, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental

Life on Sea: Exploring the experiences of Fisherfolks during Seasonal Fisheries Closure
in Coastal Area in Puntalinao, Piso, and Maputi Banaybanay Davao Oriental
SUBMITTED TO:

Imelda Leal
Instructor

SUBMITTED BY:
Elsie Sencion
Mariene Vien Suetos
Nordihadje Surail
Aijunful Tabay
Joanne Tadena
Clara Jean Yntig
BTLEd H.E 3-A
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

TITLE i
APPROVAL SHEET ii
ABSTRACT iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
LIST OF TABLES viii

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1

Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem
Research Objectives
Research Question
Conceptual Framework
Theoretical Lens
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
Organization of the Study

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 9

CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY 20

Research Design 20
Research Informants 21
Role of the Researchers 21
Data Sources 21
Data Collection Procedure 22
Data Analysis 22
Trustworthiness of the Study 23
Ethical Consideration 26

REFERENCES
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Seasonal fishery closures (SFCs) are places where fishing for one or more species or

specific fishing gear is periodically prohibited (Gell and Roberts, 2002). There have been

various grounds for stopping fisheries for short or extended periods of time. Various

justifications have been offered for closing fisheries for limited or longer periods. For

example, SFCs have been widely used in fisheries management to prevent overfishing and

collapse of a fishery, rebuild depleted stocks, reduce gear conflicts, and reduce bycatch of

protected species (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 1985; Gell

and Roberts, 2002; Farmer et al., 2016; Agar et al., 2019). Overfishing is linked directly to

multiple destructive fishing practices such as trawling, IUU fishing, bycatch, and harmful

subsidies (Sumaila et al., 2006, 2021; Agnew et al., 2009; Moomaw and Blankenship, 2014).

Continued use of destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling, which has an impact

on both targeted and non-targeted species and damages ocean sea floors, may lead to

overfishing. In addition to this, overfishing often correlates with large amounts of bycatch as

increased effort is translated directly into unintentionally catching non-targeted species which

harms marine ecosystem. Also, harmful subsidies encourage overfishing by supporting fleets

that are over capacity in terms of number of ships, effort and technology (Schuhbauer et al.,

2017; Sumaila et al., 2021).

Despite the potential benefits of SFCs, there have been mixed reactions to this

management method in areas where it has been implemented (Arendse et al., 2007; Jiang et

al., 2009; Mendoça and Sobrinho, 2013; Wang et al., 2015). SFCs, for instance, have been

implemented in the Gulf of Mexico. Florida lobster fishery and shrimp fishery [National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration], the United States Virgin Islands grouper fishery

(Beets and Friedlander, 1999) and Kenyan coral reefs (McClanahan, 2010) both exhibited

favorable results (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 1985; Beets

and Manuel, 2007). Seasonal groundfish closures in New England, on the other hand, had no

effect on restoring groundfish stocks (Sinclair and Valdimarsson, 2003; Brodziak et al.,

2004). While earlier attempts for a restricted season laid the foundation for subsequent

regulatory measures in the Pacific halibut fisheries, it failed to reduce fishing effort and was

judged to have low conservation significance (Babcock et al., 1931; Bell, 1969; Skud, 1985).

According to Fish and Game Administrative Order No. 13, s. 1, the SFC in the Visayan

Sea is applied annually, firstly from November 15 to March 15 (4 months) for the protection

of sardines and herrings. 1939 (DA-BFAR 1939). The Department of Agriculture and

Commerce4 was in charge of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources3 (BFAR) at the

time. The BFAR enacted Fisheries Administrative Order No. 167, section 1, in 1989. 1989,

which reaffirms the terms of Fish and Game Administrative Order No. 13, s. 1939, but this

time it included mackerels in the Visayan Sea species covered by the SFC (DA-BFAR 1989).

The Davao Gulf is home to several marine ecosystems in the Davao region that c

support the fisheries activities of the entire region fishing is prohibited. The Davao Gulf has

an annual season strategy to allow the fish stocks to recover to re-establish and address

falling fish catches (Brillo et al., 2016). Seasonal closure might result in four major issues:

limited access to coastal waterways, dwindling financial capital, reduced fish trade activities,

and shrinking small-scale fishing prospects (Brillo et al., 2016). There is also widespread

agreement that the main issue facing Globally, there are too many boats pursuing too few

fish (Fulton et al., 2011).

Cervantes, et al. (2016) found out that although the closed fishing season appears to have

achieved its goal of repopulating fishing grounds, questions have been raised about its

wisdom due to a lack of extensive research on its environmental, social, and economic
consequences. In reality, closed fishing seasons always target small-scale fishermen as well

as commercial fishermen.

This study aims to learn about local fisherfolks experiences with seasonal fisheries

closures, particularly among fisherfolks in Puntalinao, Piso and Maputi Banaybanay, Davao

Oriental. The researchers also want to know how they understand and how it affects their

life.

Statement of the Problem

The four objectives of this qualitative study are to determine the lived experiences of

local fishermen in Puntalinao, Piso and Maputi Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, as a result of

the Seasonal Fisheries Closure. Local fishermen's lived experiences will be known to the

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, which may provide interventions, seminars, and

training to address them. Local fishermen will gain knowledge and assist them in

understanding the objective of the Seasonal Fisheries Closure. The informants' responses

will aid the study in producing a genuine and verified result.

Research Questions

This study is guided by the following research questions:

1. What are the lived experiences of the local fisherfolks of Puntalinao, Piso and Maputi

Banaybanay, Davao Oriental about the Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

1.1 What are the challenges you encountered in the implementation of the

Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

1.2 What are the positive and negative experiences encountered in the

implementation of the Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

2. How do the local fisherfolks of Puntalinao, Piso and Maputi Banaybany, Davao

Oriental cope up with the Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

 2.1 How do you handle the challenges encountered in the implementation of the

Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

2.2 How do you cope and overcome the problems brought by the implementation of

the Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

3. What are the interventions provided by the government to the local fisherfolks in

the implementation of the Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

3.1 How did this intervention affect their livelihood?

Theoretical Lens

This study is supported by Theory of Human Motivation by Abraham Maslow.

Maslow’s theory of human motivation is cited as a general description of the priorities of

what humans need and want. There is no doubt that Maslow’s reasoning, particularly his

theory of hierarchies of needs and motivation has proven helpful within the contexts of

perspectives on growth and even equality, as Maslow emphasized the potential of every

human being. In Maslow’s thinking, the ‘individual’ is seen as the most important actor, and

his/her individual agency supersedes other motivations of action (Maslow 1943).

To relate the Theory of Human Motivation to this study is that fisherfolks are

motivated by their needs as human beings. Additionally, if some of their most important

needs are unmet, they may be unable to progress and meet their other needs. This can help

explain why fisherfolks might feel "stuck" or having difficulties to sustain their daily needs

during Seasonal Fisheries Closure.

Significance of the Study

This study was conducts to find out the lived experiences of local fisherfolks in

Puntalinao, Piso and Maputi Banaybanay, Davao Oriental about the implementation of

Seasonal Fisheries Closure, and significant to the following;

  Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). They will be aware about the

result of Seasonal Fisheries Closure to the local tenant fisherfolks, and provide with

needed assistance, training, and seminars.

 Local fisherfolks. They will be able to understand the concept of the Seasonal

Fisheries Closure and should be provided with the appropriate solution, which aimed

to reduce their difficulties in fishing.

 Future Researchers. The study's findings are beneficial to both current and future

researchers because they could be used as a foundation for new research or to

determine the validity of other related findings in the future. This will also serve as a

cross-reference, giving them a background or overview of the local fisherfolks

experiences about the Seasonal Fisheries Closure Implementation.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This qualitative study focuses on the lived experiences of local fisherfolks of

Puntalinao, Piso and Maputi Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. The researchers’ purposively

select fifteen (15) fishermen in Puntalinao, Piso and Maputi Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

Because it enables target informants to express their views, opinions, comments, and

observations—all of which are crucial to the study's outcome—an in-depth interview (IDI) is

utilized to gather data. Additionally, the informants are fishermen from Puntalinao, Piso and

Maputi Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. All participating fishermen must have their own

families in order to meet the study's restriction. To share work familiarity and status

homogeneity, all of the fishermen must have worked on a fishing vessel for a minimum of

one year and above. The informants are bonafide residence of Puntalinao, Piso and Maputi

Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, and at least 20 years old above. The informants in the data

collection lists were carefully selected based on the criterias described above. As a result,
males are qualified when it came to the gender profile of the informants as long as they

matched the standards.

Definition of terms

 Seasonal Fisheries Closure- In this study, the researchers use the word seasonal

fisheries closure as the period during which taking specific fisheries species with

specific fishing gear is restricted in a specific area or areas of Philippine waters.

 Fisherfolks- In this study, the researchers use the term fisherfolks as people who make

a life fishing, as in a seaside community. People who make a living through fishing.

 Fishing vessels- In this study, the researchers use the word fishing vessel as a fishing

vessel is a boat or ship that is used to catch fish in a lake or river. Commercial,

artisanal, and recreational fishing employ a wide range of vessels.

 Lived Experiences- In this study, the researchers use the term lived experiences as a

researcher's or research subject's lived experience, as it is investigated and

comprehended in qualitative research, is a representation and understanding of their

human experiences, decisions, and possibilities, as well as how those elements affect

how they perceive knowledge.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Guerrero (2018) stated that the establishment of limited fishing seasons is one of the

methods that can be used to conserve our marine fisheries. "Periods of time during which

fishing is forbidden in a designated region or areas in Philippine waters due to an order of

closure by the Secretary of Agriculture”. Closed fishing seasons may have conservation and

other spill-over advantages, but they are sometimes met with mixed reactions and even

opposition, particularly where a large percentage of the livelihood is affected.

Seasonal Fisheries Closure

Cervantes, et al. (2016) stated that The Zamboanga Peninsula Closed Fishing Season

Policy is a fishing rule enacted by the national agency and local stakeholders to conserve the

sardine species and maintain the industry's operations. In the Philippines, fisheries control,

particularly the creation and implementation of restricted fishing seasons, is a little-studied

topic. Bagsit, et al. (2021) stated that due to a lack of clear objectives, monitoring, and

empirical proof of management efficacy, the implementation of seasonal fisheries closures

(SFC) can be contentious. After tougher execution of this fishing strategy in 2012, the

Philippines declared an SFC for the conservation of vital fishery commodities in the Visayan

Sea a success. Studies of the fisheries in the Visayan Sea have revealed widespread over

fishing, particularly among pelagic species. Despite the fact that the SFC has been in place

for almost 80 years, it was not strictly implemented until 2012. This corresponded with a shift

in BFAR leadership, which re-energized the Bureau's attempts to address damaging fishing

methods, commercial fishermen's continued intrusion into municipal waterways, and fisheries
conservation measures.

As a result, the SFCs were reviewed, amended, and actively implemented. There have

been suggestions that the SFC has been a success since it was re-enforced, with an increase in

fish catch each year at the end of the seasonal closure period. According to Rola et al. (2017)

that the increases in the annual value of fish captures (Php), annual income from alternative

livelihoods, and annual pay earned by workers were among the benefits. The expenses

include a decrease in household yearly net income from sardine fishing, an increase in annual

salaries paid by the industry, and an annual increase in monitoring compliance with the

regulation. Sarmiento (2021) added that municipal fishermen catch more sardines and other

fish species with fewer efforts during the closed fishing season because commercial

operations are prohibited. It is a boon to the struggling fishermen.

Moreover, schools of sardines congregate close to shore to feed on plankton during the

fishing ban, a municipal fisher can catch 50 to 100 kilograms (110 to 220 pounds) of sardines

without going far from the shoreline. During the sardine spawning season, the Philippine

government has implemented a closed fishing season on numerous key fishing sites since

2011. The ban has increased artisanal fishermen's catch sizes in the country's sardine capital

of the Zamboanga Peninsula in the south, but catches in the Visayan Sea in the central

Philippines have decreased.

Sarmiento (2021) entitled a study “A tale of two seas: Closed season is a mixed bag for

Philippine sardines industry” that there were a study conducted by scientists at the University

of the Philippines Los Baos between 2016 and 2018, that the closed fishing season resulted in

an increase in sardine catches as well as a rise in the landed catch of high-value non-sardine

species such as tuna. Overall, there was a favorable impact on society. Nonetheless, during

the closed fishing season on the Zamboanga Peninsula, which produces 70% of the

Philippines' sardines, workers in sardine canning industries and commercial fishing

enterprises were displaced. According to industry data, the peninsula has at least 26

commercial fishing operations and 11 canning companies, employing 50,000 people. The

National Sardine Management Plan has as one of its objectives the sustainable management

of sardine fisheries. In a statement, Ramos added, "Part of the goal is to analyze the impact of

the closure season and assist the availability of work opportunities during the close season”.

She suggested using technology like VIIRS to detect infractions during the sardine fishing

season, which captures photos and radiometric data on the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and

land surfaces.

Four harvesting regimes were simulated to determine the effects of imposing a closed

season at different times of the year on reproductive output and yields obtained from a fished

species: (1) a control population in which no individuals are harvested; (2) a population that

is not fished during the breeding period; (3) a population that has a closed season of the same

length but falls outside the breeding period; and (4) a population that is fished at the same

time but outside the breeding period (Arendse, et al., 2007). Thus, the study conclude that

fishing restrictions during the mating season are only effective for species that meet one of

these criteria, or as a means of lowering annual fishing mortality.

Beets & Manuel (2007) emphasizing that the marine resource closures come in a variety

of forms, including temporary and seasonal closures because of their simplicity, management

systems that are quickly implemented and widely embraced by fishermen. These measures

are typically used to regulate fishing effort, improve spawning potential by protecting adults

during spawning season, or protect juveniles from depletion during recruitment periods. The

primary focus of the seasonal closure management technique is effort control. However,

predicting fishing mortality based on the degree of effort management is challenging since it

is dependent on how fishermen respond to the precise laws in place. Effort can only be

transferred to open times with more effort when there are seasonal closures. PCAF Express
(2017) stated that the policy increased sardine and other major pelagic fish supply such as

tuna and mackerel, for local fishermen, resulting in improved food supply and revenue source

in the area. An analytic research and Philippine Statistics Authority statistics, the fish stock

increased, resulting in an increase in landed catch of 181,918.51 metric tonnes. The

researcher added that Sardines are preyed upon by fish such as alumahan and tuna because of

the policy, resources became more plentiful. He also mentioned that the limited fishing

season policy is effective and helpful, and it should be continued be carried on indefinitely It

is also beneficial because of its positive impact in the Visayan Sea and Northern Palawan,

restrictions have been implemented. US AID (2019) stated that fishing is a key source of food

and employment in Ghana. Fishing and the fisheries value chain are an important element of

Ghana's economy, benefiting a huge segment of the population directly and indirectly.the

majority of fishermen in Ghana thought that the closure would benefit future catches.

As a result, the majority of respondents indicated that the closed season should be

institutionalized. While advocating for the use of the closed season as a management strategy,

this initial attempt by MOFAD at a closure may be viewed as a learning phase for

stakeholders, allowing them to assess the closure and adopt possible future coping

mechanisms, resulting in a positive response and harnessing of the expected benefits derived

from stock rebuilding. By enhancing recruitment and minimizing fishing mortality, closing

regions to fishing and establishing closed seasons can successfully improve yield. During the

spawning period and in the feeding grounds of the young, fishing should be forbidden in the

primary spawning grounds of valuable species. The purpose of controlling spawning places

and feeding sites for fry and immature fish is to allow spawning as well as the growth of the

fry to the point where they may leave the areas. This is especially critical for lithophilous and

phytophilous fish, because fishing at the wrong time might interrupt spawning and kill eggs

and fry. The right decision on whether to authorize fishing activities is crucial, and it varies
by species and location (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2005).

Coral Reef Alliance (2021) stated that over fishing is common in Los Micos Lagoon,

affecting populations of young fish that swim into the ocean and occupy coral reefs. If we

want healthy coral reefs, we must also safeguard coastal lagoons, according to Julio San

Martn Chicas, CORAL's Principal Program Coordinator for the North Coast. Protecting reefs

is especially important for Tela Bay, a town that relies heavily on local catch and is noted for

its endangered corals. To combat over fishing, Tela's municipal council implemented a

restricted season from May to June each year, prohibiting fishing in coastal lagoons during

that time. This permits fish to grow and swim to coral reefs, repopulating populations and

reducing overfishing's negative effects.

PHILSTAR (2021) stated that the yearly closed fishing season in northern Palawan

began on November 1 as a conservation strategy to boost the number species of like

galunggong. Eduardo B. Gongona, BFAR National Director, urged fisheries stakeholders to

comply with the execution of the closed fishing season, which is also being implemented in

other parts of the nation. This will assist conserve the commercially significant galunggong

species, assuring its availability as part of our efforts to achieve food security and support

sustainable growth in the fisheries industry, as directed by Agriculture Secretary William D.

Dar," Mr. Gongona stated.

Disadvantages of Closing Season

According to the study of Sarmiento (2021) that the closure of the fishing season in the

Zamboanga Peninsula has benefited the region's sardine sector, similar conservation efforts in

the Visayan Sea in the Central Philippines have had mixed outcomes. Since 1939, a closed

season has been in effect in the Visayan Sea to protect sardines and herring. A BFAR order

expanding the protection to include mackerel, which runs from November 15 to March 15

every year in selected areas of the Visayan Sea, was promulgated in 1989 but only strictly
implemented in 2012, a year after the closed season was implemented for the first time in

December 2011 in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Furthermore, according to the report, 45 percent of the fishermen interviewed claimed

they continued to fish throughout the prohibition, but that adhering to the limits required

them to travel further, take more risks, and spend more resources to reach portions of the

Visayan Sea that were still available for fishing. The ban was also routinely broken in the

Visayas, according to the study, evidence such photos given by the United States' visible

infrared imaging radiometer suite (VIIRS). The Earth Observation Group of the National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows vessels operating in forbidden regions at

night.

The lack of a backup source of income is one of the top reasons given by respondents.

More than 60% of the respondents have no other source of income and rely completely on the

sardine industry thus, fishermen in Visayan Sea violated the policy during closed season. The

Visayan Sea study's researchers noticed that the limited season regulation has economic

ramifications, which led to non-compliance. "It is necessary to establish livelihood initiatives

to diversify the sources of income for stakeholders who are heavily reliant on sardine

fishery."

Brillo, et al. (2019) stated that because the fishing regulation requires work suspension, it

will very certainly have major consequences for fishery workers who rely heavily on sardine

output for their living. However, there were some negative consequences, such as increased

possibility for fisher conflict (longer fishing days), loss of individual and social welfare, long-

term uncertainty (legitimacy difficulties), and ambiguous results due to a lack of effective

documentation and implementation. The economic and societal implications of the closure

must also be understood so that fishing communities and other stakeholders can support its

implementation. Fisheries closures have an impact on the biological yield of fisheries and the
livelihood of fishermen.

PCAF Express (2017) stated the policy, while largely effective, has a few drawbacks. In

the vicinity During the closed fishing months, fishermen working as crew members on local

commercial fishing vessels are out of employment. Because of the plentiful supply, the

market price of sardines has dropped, but the policy's indirect effect on local fishermen has

increased catch yield of high-value fish. Researchers added that Local commercial fishermen

operating as crew members. during the restricted fishing months, fishing boats are unable to

earn a living. According to reports, due to an oversupply of sardines even in Sardine prices

in coastal locations have dropped to levels previously unheard of where the municipal

fisherman no longer catch sardines this results in a drop in fishing revenue. According to US

AID (2019) research stated that specifically, in Ghana, people suffers because the closure

removes fishing effort from the system for a period of time, fish yields were projected to drop

in proportion to the loss in effort. For canoe fishing households, this reduction in effort

resulted in a temporary loss of revenue and livelihood.

When the season is closed Similarly, fish processors and allied firms (transport, net sales,

fuel, ice block producers, and so on) were shown to face a variety of socio-economic

challenges. One of the most notable effects, according to focus group participants, was

increased fish prices; decreased fish availability in the diet; decreased social activities;

inability of parents to care for children; and a perception of increased poverty and

unfavorable nutritional consequences.

Vivar (2020) stated that There have been assertions that the SFC has been a success since

the start of increased enforcement, with an increase in fish catch each year at the end of the

seasonal closure period. However, results from a recent study examining whether the SFC's

implementation in the Visayan Sea has achieved its conservation goals revealed a drop in the

catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of municipal fishermen targeting sardines. This conservation

measure has a history of causing major socioeconomic problems. Fishing restrictions have

significant short-term negative consequences, notably for the income and livelihood of

disadvantaged coastal fishermen and their communities, as there are no other options for

work during the fishing ban. This shows that fishermen have no choice but to bear the full

brunt of the ban's economic loss (Micusi, et al., 2022).

Napata, et al. (2020) stated that research on the effects of a limited fishing season has

found that it increases fish biomass, reduces fishing effort, and has been successfully

implemented. However, there were also negative consequences, such as increased possibility

for fisher conflict (longer fishing days), loss of individual and social welfare, long-term

uncertainty (legitimacy difficulties), and ambiguous results due to a lack of effective

documentation and implementation. The economic and societal implications of the closure

must understood so that fishing communities can support its implementation in order to keep

the fishing industry alive.

According to Patrick, et al. (2019) that fishermen's livelihoods may be impacted by the

closed fishing season legislation, which restricts them from fishing at particular periods of the

year to allow fish stocks to rebuild and address diminishing fish catches. Fishermen reported

a decline in the volume of their catch during this time, as officials prohibited the use of

bagnets and ringnets. Fishermen's livelihoods may be impacted by the closed fishing season

legislation, which restricts them from fishing at particular periods of the year to allow fish

stocks to rebuild and address diminishing fish catches. Fishermen reported a decline in the

volume of their catch during this time, as officials prohibited the use of bagnets and ringnets.

During the execution of the program, most bagnet fishermen were obliged to use hook and

lines and other municipal fishing gear (Pata, et al., 2021).

Hunnam (2021) stated that over fishing, removal of mangroves, siltation of seagrass

beds, and water pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources have all
contributed to the deterioration of the aquatic ecosystem in the Philippines. The decline in

fisheries has an impact on the fishing industry's long-term viability, despite several

government initiatives to prevent depletion. To be successful, these initiatives will require

close monitoring, coordination, collaborations, and community awareness.

They will also lose their jobs if the fish supply is exhausted due to unsustainable fishing.

In this instance, instituting a closed fishing season becomes a management option that is

acceptable to both fishermen and vendors. Those opposed to the policy's implementation

questioned the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast

Guard's ability to implement the limited fishing season. The policy of a closed fishing season

is critical because it aims to limit fishing mortality, reduce fishing effort, and rebuild

dwindling fish stocks.

Implications and Issues

Ani (2016) stated that the closed fishing season legislation is an essential step in

conserving and protecting the country's fisheries resources. It ensures the long-term use and

exploitation of vital fishing resources. Given natural disasters and the negative effects of

climate change, over fishing and exploitation of the country's fisheries resources may result

in the extinction of vital fish species as well as significant economic losses. As a result, the

adoption of a closed fishing season is seen as a critical tool for mitigating such negative

consequences.

Guerrero (2018) added that closures like these are declared to help a fish population

grow by protecting it at a vulnerable time of its life cycle, such as when it is reproducing. The

periods when commercial stocks of tuna in the Davao Gulf and small pelagics in the Visayan

Sea and other fishing grounds require this protection have been determined based on fish

stock assessment studies conducted by researchers from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources (BFAR) and its research arm, the National Fisheries Research and Development
Institute (NFRDI).

According to Israel et al. (2016) that over fishing has occurred in the Philippines and

many other places of the world for a variety of reasons. These factors include: a) the open-

access nature of fishing (lack of management, control, and enforcement); and b) broad

technological advancements (more efficient gears, stronger and wider nets, and electronic

monitoring) fishing devices such as sonar, which have increased the ability to fish all over the

world, even in the most remote locations); c) government economic development policies,

particularly those that provide subsidies to keep inefficient boats running and encourage even

more investment in fishing technology and boats; d) increasing human population; and e)

large increases in fish prices for a thriving global market.

Israel et al. (2016) stressed out the issue that the lack of fisheries management,

regulation, and enforcement in the Philippines, which contributed to open access and, as a

result, over fishing, is due to a number of underlying factors, including limited government

resources for the implementation of fisheries regulations, high implementation costs given the

vast coverage of Philippine marine waters, lack of government inter-agency coordination, and

limited private sector involvement. The decision of commercial sardine fishing operators in

the area, particularly the Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association (SOPHIL), to go

into voluntary closed season even if the government does not decide to impose one, has

accelerated the implementation of the closed season in Zamboanga, (Israel, et al., 2016).

To allow mature sardines to spawn and their young to grow, the closed season

specifically prohibits commercial sardine fishing in the designated area. Violators face a

punishment of six months to six years in prison, a fine of P6,000, and confiscation of the

catch, as well as the administrative penalty of having their fishing boat and gear licenses

revoked. On the other hand, Cervantes, et al. (2016) stated that although the closed fishing

season appears to have achieved its goal of repopulating fishing grounds, questions have been
raised about its wisdom due to a lack of extensive research on its environmental, social, and

economic consequences. In reality, closed fishing seasons always target small-scale

fishermen as well as commercial fishermen.

The implementation of closed fishing season policy is not that completely agreed by the

majority because the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya (Pamalakaya), a

fisherman's umbrella organization, was outspoken in its opposition to the closure of the

fishing season. The disrespectful entry of large-scale fishing vessels weighing 3 gross tons

and above into the 15-kilometer municipal fishing waters meant for municipal fishermen

exploits and depletes fish captured in the seas," Fernando Hicap, national coordinator of

Pamalakaya, stated. Nevertheless, because a closed fishing season is insufficient, a

management strategy for our fishing grounds is urgently required. Oceana Philippines Vice

President Gloria Estenzo Ramos remarked, "We need other measures to enforce beyond the

closed fishing season to prevent the race to fish that leads to over fishing”.

Mayuga (2017) stated that closed fishing, according to Flores, can only be effective if

fishing is restricted during certain months. In addition, closed fishing does not solve over

fishing, particularly in sardines. Stopping over fishing and enacting true solutions to govern

the commercial fishing industry, added by Flores, is the only way to assure sustainable

fisheries. To allow for a more fruitful spawning season and to address the diminishing fish

catch, the closed fishing season regulation was implemented. Policy inputs were used to

monitor policy compliance and to launch an information campaign to collect support from the

community and other stakeholders. The projected policy output was an increase in fish stock,

with expected policy consequences including an increase in landed catch, a decrease in

factory worker income, an increase in fisherman income, and an increase in societal benefits.

According to Enolva (2020) that the right decision on whether to authorize fishing

operations is crucial, and it varies depending on the species and the locality. It also varies
year to year, depending on the meteorological and ecological circumstances of the fishing

grounds. Seasonal and area closures can be changed, which can help with multispecies

fisheries management. Proper regulations can assure the most lucrative mix of species in the

final catch if the proportions of different species collected vary from area to area or from

season to season in the same area.

According to the research of US AID (2019) that most respondents favored cash aid,

either cash for employment or a payout from the pre-mix community development fund, or

some type of direct food assistance or other form of livelihood support if the government

were to provide some form of assistance to fishermen during the closed season. Globally, the

state of marine resources is deteriorating. A closed season policy is one of the management

measures being used in the Philippines to conserve and safeguard marine resources.

Rola, et al. (2017) stated that the diminishing fish capture necessitated better fisheries

resource management, with a focus on improving the existing fish supply in the impacted

areas. The Departments of Agriculture (DA) and Interior and Local Government (DILG)

issued Joint DA-DILG Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2011 (JAO-01 s.2011) in

December 2011, establishing a conservation area in Zamboanga Peninsula where a closed

fishing season for commercial-scale sardine harvesting would be enforced for three months

every year for three years beginning December 2011.

Rao (2001) stated that a fishery closed season is imposed either during the breeding

season to give each animal in the population an opportunity to reproduce, or during the

recruiting season to provide a generation of larvae or juveniles enough time to mature so that

the population can produce the maximum amount of biomass. Although the scientists'

objective in such a plan was to help the decreasing population recover, it became convenient

for certain vested interests to take advantage of the situation in the name of conservation

efforts advantage. Seasonal fishery closures are commonly employed in fisheries

management to avoid over fishing and fishery collapse, rebuild depleted stocks, decrease gear

conflicts, and reduce by catch of protected species (Bagsit, et al., 2021).

CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter described the researchers' data collection and analysis methods and

procedures. The research design, research informants, informant confidentiality, data

collection and analysis, and research tool are all included.

Research Design

This study used a qualitative research methodology with phenomenological approach

to learn about the lived experiences of local fishermen in Puntalinao, Piso, and Maputi

Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

The goal of this study is to record the pertinent experiences of the local fishermen in

Puntalinao, Piso, and Maputi Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, particularly the problems they

faced during the seasonal closure of the fisheries. The researchers will concentrate on the

local fishermen's concerns, problems, and experiences with the seasonal closure of the

fisheries. A method to qualitative research known as phenomenology focuses on the lived

experiences of a particular group (Creswell, 2013).

Research Informants
 Purposive sampling is the way that the researchers used to choose the informants

based on their judgment and the criteria. It is a type of non-probability sampling in which the

researcher makes decisions about who should be included in the sample based on a range of

factors, such as the person's competence and willingness to engage in the research or their

expert understanding of the research problem (Oliver, P., 2015). Local fishermen from

Puntalinao, Piso, and Maputi Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, served as the study's informants.

For the in-depth interview, the researchers gathered a total of 15 informants in Puntalinao,

Piso, and Maputi Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. According to Creswell, it suggests 6-25

people for doing phenomenological investigations (1998). The researchers select five (5)

fishermen in Puntalinao, Piso and Maputi Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. Informants must be

bonafide residents of the Puntalinao, Piso and Maputi Banaybanay, Davao Oriental who are

fisherman for a minimum of one year and above before the implementation of the Seasonal

Fisheries Closure until the present time.

Confidentiality of Informants

The ethical norm is followed in this study. An informed consent letter is sent to the

study's informants. The letters are written to reassure the informants that their actions are

voluntary and to inform them that their information is kept secret to safeguard their identities

at all costs. Additionally, all informants are first given information about the goals of study.

Data is gathered face-to-face, the replies of the fishermen are recorded, and it is then

interpreted using a qualitative data format. The confidentiality of the informants is guaranteed

prior to data collection by withholding the informants' names from the general public in order

to protect their privacy when answering the study's questions.

Data Gathering Procedures

 The researchers first create a research guide question to pose to each informant during

an interview. The researchers then question Mrs. Virgie Cuarte and Mrs. Esther Solamo, the

Municipal Agriculturist Officers (MAO), in the Municipal Hall of Banaybanay, Davao

Oriental, how many registered fishermen and fishing vessels are in Puntalinao, Piso, and

Maputi Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. Purposive sampling is used to select the informants

based on the researchers' criteria. The study's goals and objectives are explained to the

informants when all of them have been discovered. Third, all the resources need to be ready,

including the questions from the research guide and the voice recorder for documentation.

The researchers next conduct an in-person interview using COVID-19 health guidelines.

Prior to and following the interview, informants and researchers must wash their hands with

alcohol, put on a facemask, and keep a safe enough distance. The researchers record the

informants' comments using an audio recorder. To gain an understanding of the lives of the

nearby fisherman, the necessary data must be gathered, transported, and carefully studied.

Data Analysis

The major method for data analysis in this study was qualitative thematic analysis.

consists of the following steps: 1) Accurate transcription and translation of the key-informant

interview responses; 2) Recognition of significant statements from the transcription; 3)

Grouping of significant statements into cluster themes; 4) Grouping of cluster themes

according to their similarity; and 5) Classification to emerging themes. As an indication of

their reliability, the informants signed the transcript confirmation.

Research Tool

Interview guide questions are the main tools.

Name (Optional): Age:

Gender: Status: No. of Children:

Education Level: Name of Purok:

Nationality: Religion:

1. What are the lived experiences of the local fisherfolks of Puntalinao, Piso and

Maputi Banaybanay , Davao Oriental about the Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

1.1 What are your challenges encountered in the implementation of the Seasonal

Fisheries Closure?

(Unsa ang mga hagit na nasinati nimo sa pagpatuman sa Seasonal Fisheries

Closure?)

1.2 What are the positive and negative experiences encountered in the

implementation of the Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

(Unsa ang mga positibo nga mga nasinati nimo sa pagpatuman sa Seasonal Fisheries

Closure?)

2. How do the local fisherfolks of Puntalinao, Piso and Maputi Banaybanay,

Davao Oriental deal with the Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

2.1 How do you handle the challenges encountered in the implementation of the

Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

(Giunsa nimo pagdumala ang mga hagit nga nasinati nimo sa pagpatuman sa Seasonal

Fisheries Closure?)

2.2 How do you cope and overcome the problems brought by the implementation of

the Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

(Giunsa nimo pag atubang ug pagbaton ang mga problema nga dala sa pagpatuman sa

Seasonal Fisheries Closure?)

 3. What are the interventions provided by the government to the local fisherfolks

in the implementation of the Seasonal Fisheries Closure?

3.1 How did this intervention affect your livelihood?

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