FISHING GROUNDS FOR GLASS EELS IN SANTA ANA, CAGAYAN: A HAVEN FOR

MIGRATION

Julie Ann Medrano, MAED

Teacher 3, Sta Ana School of Fisheries
Department of Education, Division of Cagayan

The Anguilla species, including the Indian Mottled eel (Anguilla bengalensis),
Indonesian shortfin eel (A. bicolor), and marbled eel (A. marmorata), shows potential for
aquaculture development in the Philippines. The increasing international demand for eels,
particularly in East Asia, has led to concerns about the sustainability of wild stocks. To ensure
sustainable utilization and avoid potential restrictions on trade, proper conservation and
management of Anguillid eels are necessary. The Philippines has abundant eel populations in
various provinces, but regular catch and effort monitoring is lacking. Stock assessments are
crucial for understanding population dynamics and determining the feasibility of aquaculture.
Responsible and ecologically sustainable approaches, including clear objectives, well-formulated
stocking strategies, and supporting fisheries management measures, are essential for maximizing
the benefits of stock enhancement. Technical aspects, such as managing stocked water bodies,
harvesting, marketing, and community education and training, should also be considered.
The Palawig and Diora-Zinungan Rivers in Santa Ana, Cagayan, are renowned fishing
grounds for glass eels, attracting fishermen and researchers alike. These rivers are part of a larger
river system that is interconnected with the Cagayan River, one of the longest and most
significant rivers in the Philippines. As the Cagayan River flows through the province of
Cagayan, it eventually merges with the Babuyan Channel, a body of water that connects to
the West Philippine Sea.
The Palawig River, spanning an impressive 4.12 hectares, is a winding waterway that
meanders through the lush landscapes of Santa Ana. Its diverse ecosystem and strategic location
make it an ideal habitat for glass eels during their migration. The river is situated approximately
0.15 kilometers from the sea, allowing for easy access and movement of glass eels between
freshwater and marine environments.
Similarly, the Diora-Zinungan River covers 0.7819 hectares and is located approximately
0.03 kilometers from the sea. This river, like the Palawig River, offers favorable conditions for
glass eels. The proximity of both rivers to the sea provides a crucial link between the freshwater
habitats where glass eels hatch and grow, and the marine environments where they will
eventually mature and reproduce.
These fishing grounds are characterized by their dynamic tidal fluctuations, influenced by
the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. The tidal patterns in the Palawig and Diora-
Zinungan Rivers follow a roughly 6-hour cycle between low and high tides. This rhythmic ebb
and flow of the tides create a dynamic environment that facilitates the movement of glass eels
between freshwater and marine habitats. During high tides, glass eels can venture further
upstream, while low tides allow them to explore downstream areas.
The expansive size of the Palawig and Diora-Zinungan Rivers provides ample space for
glass eels to disperse and find suitable habitats. The varied habitats within these rivers offer a
range of microenvironments, including shallow areas with vegetation, deeper pools, and rocky
crevices. These diverse habitats provide hiding places, food sources, and optimal conditions for
the growth and development of glass eels.
The ecological significance of the Palawig and Diora-Zinungan Rivers extends beyond
glass eels. These rivers support a diverse range of aquatic life, including other migratory fish
species. The interconnectedness of these rivers with the Cagayan River and the Babuyan Channel
enhances their ecological importance, as they serve as crucial freshwater settlement areas for
various migratory species.
The proximity of the Palawig and Diora-Zinungan Rivers to the sea is a crucial aspect of
their significance as fishing grounds for glass eels. The Palawig River is situated a mere 0.15
kilometers from the sea, while the Diora-Zinungan River is even closer, at just 0.03 kilometers
away. This close proximity provides a unique advantage for glass eels, as it allows them to easily
navigate between freshwater and marine environments during their critical migration.
The short distance between these rivers and the sea facilitates the movement of glass eels
between different habitats, which is essential for their growth and development. Glass eels are
catadromous species, meaning they spawn in the ocean but spend a significant portion of their
life in freshwater habitats. The ability to move freely between freshwater and marine
environments is crucial for glass eels to complete their life cycle.
When glass eels hatch in the ocean, they embark on a remarkable journey to reach their
freshwater habitats. They navigate through river systems, encountering various obstacles along
the way. The proximity of the Palawig and Diora-Zinungan Rivers to the sea provides a
relatively short and accessible route for glass eels to enter these rivers and begin their freshwater
phase.
The close proximity to the sea also offers advantages for glass eels during their migration
back to the ocean as mature eels. When it's time for them to return to the sea for spawning, the
short distance allows them to easily navigate downstream and reach the marine environment
without significant barriers.
This proximity to the sea not only benefits the glass eels but also plays a vital role in the
overall health and productivity of the rivers. The exchange of nutrients and energy between the
marine and freshwater ecosystems is essential for supporting diverse aquatic life and maintaining
the ecological balance of the rivers.
The tidal sequence within these rivers follows a predictable pattern. It typically begins
with a low tide occurring from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, where the water level recedes, exposing
more of the riverbed. This low tide period provides glass eels with an opportunity to move
upstream, navigating through the shallow waters and seeking suitable habitats for growth and
development.
Following the low tide, a high tide occurs from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM. During this
period, the water level rises, allowing glass eels to continue their migration further upstream. The
higher water levels provide access to deeper pools and areas with more favorable conditions for
their survival.
After the high tide, another low tide occurs from 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM. This low tide
period offers glass eels a chance to adjust their positioning within the river and potentially settle
in areas that provide optimal shelter and food sources. As the water recedes, glass eels may find
refuge in crevices, vegetation, or other suitable microhabitats.
Finally, a high tide returns from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, signaling another opportunity for
glass eels to continue their migration. The rising water levels create pathways for glass eels to
move closer to the river's mouth, preparing them for their eventual transition back to the marine
environment.
The temperature range in Santa Ana, Cagayan, plays a crucial role in creating an optimal
environment for glass eels in the Palawig and Diora-Zinungan Rivers. Typically falling between
25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), these temperatures are characteristic of
the region's tropical climate. The proximity to the equator, ocean currents, and local weather
patterns contribute to this favorable temperature range.
Glass eels, like many aquatic species, are highly sensitive to temperature variations. The
range observed in Santa Ana, Cagayan, provides ideal conditions for the growth, development,
and survival of glass eels during their migration. The warmth of the water supports their
metabolism and physiological processes, allowing them to thrive and navigate through the river
systems.
The Palawig and Diora-Zinungan Rivers serve as vital migratory routes not only for glass
eels but also for other species, such as mullet and goby. These river systems offer a complex
network of interconnected habitats that support the migration and life cycles of various aquatic
organisms. The connectivity of these rivers to larger marine ecosystems, including the Babuyan
Channel, the West Philippine Sea, and the Pacific Ocean through the North Equatorial Current
and Kuroshi Current, further enhances their ecological significance.
The shared river system with the Cagayan River, which eventually drains into the
Babuyan Channel, expands the connectivity and potential migration pathways for glass eels. This
connectivity allows glass eels to access a wide range of habitats, from freshwater to marine
environments, providing ample opportunities for growth, development, and eventual
reproduction.
The ecological significance of the Palawig and Diora-Zinungan Rivers extends beyond
their role as migration routes for glass eels. These rivers support a diverse range of migratory
species, contributing to the overall biodiversity and ecological health of the region. Sustainable
management and protection of these river systems are crucial to ensure the continued abundance
of eel populations and maintain the integrity of the ecosystems they support.
The Palawig and Diora-Zinungan Rivers in Santa Ana, Cagayan, are exceptional fishing
grounds for glass eels. Their unique characteristics, including their proximity to the sea,
favorable temperature range, tidal fluctuations, and connectivity to larger marine ecosystems,
make them ideal habitats for glass eels during their migration. Protecting and managing these
fishing grounds is vital for the conservation, sustainable management, and preservation of glass
eel populations, as well as the overall health and ecological balance of the river systems they
inhabit.