AQUACULTURE - Current Information

Current Information on Inland Capture Fisheries In the Philippines

A.M. Galicia, Jr. and F.O. Eleserio
Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic Resources
Department of Agriculture

1. INTRODUCTION

The country’s inland resources consisting of lakes, rivers, reservoirs, swamps, marches and small water impoundments are vital inland resources whose potentials for fishery development have not been fully tapped. In the aggregate, lakes and reservoir alone occupies and area of approximately 330,000 hectares, which represents very essential inland resources for fisheries development.

The origin of most lakes in the Philippine is closely related to volcanic and seismic activity, or a combination of both. Some lakes occupy the crates of extinct volcano (Pratt, 1916). A good example of this is Lake Taal in Batangas Province whose caters (Still active) volcano is at the center of the lake.

The county’s inland water bodies consisting of lakes, reservoirs, rivers and swampland, and their location and sizes are tabulated as follows:

Note:

* = not found in the map below
O = major lakes according to area

2. CONTRIBUTION OF INLAND CAPTURE FISHERY TO THE ECONOMY

The Philippine fisheries sectors are classified into Commercial Fisheries; Municipal Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector. The municipal fisheries include the Inland captures fisheries production found in lakes, rivers, reservoirs and marshes of the country. These sectors are the main contributor to the country’s fish production.

In contrast to the more extensive and productive coastal marine resources, inland municipal waters of the Philippines had traditionally contributed minimal amount to the national level, and with the declining production in the marine resources due to fishing pressure and overexploitation of the resources, inland waters area among the fisheries sectors that are being optimized to effect the loss of production from marine resources.

The country’s Inland Municipal Fisheries Production from 1992 to 2002 are presented in details as follows:

As previously stated the inland capture fisheries have traditionally contributed minimal amount to the national fish production of the country compared with the extensive marine resources and the aquaculture sector. As reflected in the above table, the inland fisheries production is obviously in decreasing trend. The percent share to the countries national production, decreases in 1992 from 8.75%(229,673 mt) to 3.95 5(131,644 mt) in 2002 while the quantity in value (PHP) from 1994 to 2001 seems to be stable.

It should be noted here that the production performance of this sector has included the univalve mollusk locally called “suso” (Vivipara angularis) which contributed 50% to the total annual inland production, which are utilized as supplementary feeds for duck raising in Rizal and Laguna Provinces of the country.

It is evident that with the wise utilization, development and conservation of these resources, a continuing increase in fisheries production can be realized.

3. STATUS OF INLAND CAPTURE FISHERIES:

3.1 Historical landing trend by major species (from 1990 to present)

INLAND FISH PRODUCTION BY SPECIES, PHILIPPINES, 1990-2002
(Metric Tons)

3.2 Estimated number of fishing boats (from 1990 to present)

The estimated number of municipal fishing vessels as of year 2000 was 469,807 of which are breakdown to 177,627 motorized and 292,180 non-motorized fishing vessels. The herein estimated figures of fishing boat however, includes the marine coastal fishing vessels that are incorporate under the municipal inland fisheries profile.

3.3 Type of fishing gears and list of major fish species caught:

3.4 Stock Composition and location:

The major species tabulated on the above table are the major stock composition of species found on major lakes of the country. The composition however, differs from one lake to the other on factors such as landlocked lake (without river outlet and inlet) and with river outlet and inlet, as well as factors based on the species nature of occurrences/habitat such as indigenous species and or endemic species.

3.5 Do catch vary through the year. Any reasons?

Yes, catch or yield of individual sustenance fishermen varies through the years even by species due to factors such as catch per unit effort, seasonality and abundance of the species based on spawning months as well fisheries ordinances being enforced by the municipality having jurisdiction over the lake such as closed and open season and areas: regulation of fishing gear and fishing method as well as restriction of mesh size of fishing net.

4. ENVIRONMENT CONDITION

4.1 The prevailing monsoon winds over the Philippines are as follows:

The northers or the northeast monsoon winds, prevails from November to February, locally known as “AMIHAN” with winds coming from northeast.

The southwest monsoon wind on the other hand, locally called “HABAGAT” with winds coming from southwest, prevails during the months of July, August and September.

The trade winds or the inter monsoon winds, prevails during the rest of the year with winds coming from the east and whenever the northeast and the southwest monsoon are weak. Trade wind usually predominates during the months of March to June and October.

4.2) There are four (4) climatological conditions/type in the Philippines.

Climatic type I – There are two (2) pronounced seasons: dry from November to April; wet during the rest of the year. The localities of this type are protected from the northeast (NE) monsoon. Some are protected from the trade winds by mountain ranges. However, the controlling factor is topography in those areas open only to the southwest (SW) monsoon and cyclonic storms.

Climatic type II – There is no dry season with a very pronounced maximum rain period from November to January. These regions are along or very near the eastern coast which are sheltered neither from the northeast (NE) monsoon and the trade winds nor from cyclonic storms.

Climatic type III – Seasons are not very pronounced; relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. The maximum rain periods are not very pronounced, with short dry season lasting only from one (1) to three (3) months. These localities are only partly sheltered from the NE monsoon and trade winds and open to the SW monsoon or at least to frequent cyclonic storms.

Climatic type IV – Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year.

4.3) Significant source of pollution to Ecosystem and effect of industries and dams on the development of inland capture fisheries.

With the development of intensive aquafarming in ponds and open waters of the country such as fish cage and fish pen, environmental degradation due to organic loading from intensive aquaculture had caused serious problem in inland waters causing fish kills due to lake eutrophication, overturn and low productivity.

The impact of industries discharging toxic effluent to the ecosystem of inland waters is a common scenario causing fish kills and affect human health. The development of dams for multipurpose used had likewise caused severe effect on the biodiversity of the natural fish fauna totally blocking the migration pattern of some indigenous migratory and riverine species.

5. SOCIO-ECONOMY

5.1 Dependence upon fishery

The people living along the boundaries of the lakes are usually dependent on capture fishing as their means of livelihood. If aquacultures are already developed in the area, cultures of freshwater fish in cages are employed. In some large lakes, aquaculture has been the major livelihood activities but capture fishing is practice by other fishermen who cannot invest in aquaculture project. Other sources of income are livestock raising; rice and crop farming; carpentry; weaving industry, fisheries post-harvest technology such as smoking, salting and drying fish.

5.2 Per Capita Consumption, Nutrition value, % fish in diet:

The fourth nutrition survey of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 1993 revealed that the consumption of fish and fishery products was 36 kilograms per capita per year (key) which are broken down as 24 kgs fresh and cooked fish recipe; 4 kg dried; 4 kg processed (paste, sauce, smoke, canned) and 54 kg crustaceans and mollusk. Supply and consumption of fish and fishery products further shows that apparent consumption has been continuously decreasing from 31 kg per capita per year in 1995 to 27 key in 1997 with an average for the period of 29 key.

The decline can be attributed to the fact that population growth rate is higher that the fish production growth rate. In 1993 to 1997 the percent rate were 2.3% and 1.25% respectively.

5.3 What proportion of catch is marketed?

Depending upon the volume of catch, fishing season and area of the lake, majority of the fishermen sold their catch in the market while others market their catch in the nearby town or sold to brokers. About 60% of the catches are marketed while 40% goes to family consumption.

5.4 Fish Prices. Do price of fish varies according to season?

Yes, price of fish varies according to fishing season, inclement weather condition and are usually determined by the supply and demand of major species of fish that are sold in the market and exported to nearby town where prices are high.

5.5 Employment and involvement of fishers (Gender distribution, age) along chain of production, processing, distribution, sales of inland capture fisheries

Men generally dominate capture-fishing activities in the lake. Fishing is usually practiced in the early morning till noontime and early evening till early morning. Other men in fishing usually depending on the type of fishing gear to be used, usually join men.

Age distribution of capture fishermen varies from 30 to 59 years old. Women involvement in fisheries are usually supporting their husband in repairing/mending fishing net; processing fish such as salting, drying and smoking and selling fish catch. As soon as fish are unloaded from the fishing vessels to the fish landing area women involvement in the chain of distribution takes place. Fish traders in the wet market are usually predominated by women.

5.6 Percentage of income from different source (other than fishing), amount of time and resource devoted to each activity, etc.

Taking for example Lake Mainit in Surigao del Norte, a major lake with a total surface area of 17,430 hectares with five (5) municipalities occupying the lake and where capture fishing is a major livelihood activities, full time fishermen comprises 47.7% while part time fishermen constitute 52.3% of the total capture fishermen.

5.7 Post-Harvest Technique

In general, as soon as the fish are unloaded from the fishing net, they are usually sorted according to sizes and species and depending on the capacity of the fishing vessels the fish are placed in a container (i.e. wooden fish boxes; bamboo or rattan or plastic boxes) and are stored in freezer or iced. As soon as the fish reach the fish landing area, the fish are again unloaded to a different container (i.e. GI sheet made bañeras or tub or depending what is available in the area) where the fish are iced at a ratio of 1:2:4 or one (1) water, two (2) ice and four (4) fish for two (2) hours travel till it reach the market/destination. If repacking are needed fish are iced at ratio of 1:2 again or one (1) ice for every two (2) ratio of fish.

5.8 Trade: import/export/national

In large lake where capture fishing is a major livelihood activity, trading of catch in nearby town to far flung areas depending on the price of fish, are regular activities in the area particularly by brokers. Yield from aquaculture produce in lakes are usually brought to as far as Metro Manila fishing port area where prices are usually high. Finfishes that are usually exported from other towns of the country comprise tilapia, milkfish, goby, freshwater sardines, mullet, carp, dalag, eel, freshwater shrimp and prawn.

6. STATISTICAL DATA COLLECTION

The collection of fishery statistical data is the mandate of the Bureau of Agriculture Statistics (BAS) under the Department of Agriculture (DA).

6.1 Any proper statistical data collection & responsible agency concerned

The collection of fishery statistical data fro inland water resources is the mandate of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) under the Department of Agriculture. As the major agency of the Republic of the Philippines responsible for agricultural statistics, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics aims to collect, compile, analyze and disseminate timely, accurate and reliable statistical information in response to the needs of planners, decision and policy makers in both government and non-government organization as well as those from researchers and academes as well.

The collection of fishery statistical data on production by species, for inland municipal sector started in 1977 under the Bureau of fisheries and Aquatic Resources until 1987 when bureau’s reorganization takes place and in 1988 thru section 16 of Executive Order 116 mandating the BAS to serve as the agency of the Republic of the Philippines for the collection, compilation and office release of agricultural statistics that includes fisheries and exercise technical supervision over all data collection centers and coordination of all agricultural statistics and economic research activities of all bureau s, corporations and all office under the Department of agriculture. From 1988 till present, the collection of inland municipal fisheries production became the sole mandate of BAS.

6.2 Survey Method; Methods of data collection and periodicity of collection:

The survey of inland municipal fishing is a sample survey of volume of inland municipal fish catch and price per kilo covering inland municipal fishing household. Two type of survey are employed, the Probability survey and Non-probability survey.

In probability survey, the sampling frame is a list of inland fishing households stratified by fishing ground such as lakes, river, dams, etc. Stratified random sampling is designed for this survey. Fishing household are stratified according to source of fish catch such as inland waters, lakes, rivers or dams. From each stratum, sample household were drawn randomly.

The target national sample size in 2000 was about 2,138 fishing households. In 2001, efforts were focused in the updating of lists of inland fishing households in 27 provinces, thus no probability surveys were undertaken in 2001.

A sample survey of volume of inland municipal fish catch and price per kilo covering inland municipal fishing households is conducted on a semi-annual basis. If funds are sufficient, survey are conducted on a quarterly basis.

Data are gathered through actual interviews of household head or any knowledgeable member of the fishing household using questionnaire. Fifty pesos (P50.00) is paid to the CDC per sample of inland household interviewed.

Under the non-probability surveys, the inland municipal fish catch monitoring is conducted in case of unavailability of funds. Data on average percent change in fish catch by species compared with the production of the same quarter of the previous year are asked from sample fishing household.

Monitoring is conducted quarterly. Collection is done on the third week of the last month of the quarter to gather indications of production, harvest area and price levels for the reference quarter.

Nationwide, the number of sample monitored in November 2001 was 320 fishing household. Regular field statistician collect data through interview of the household head or any knowledgeable member of the fishing household. A monitoring form is used for data collection.

6.3 Purpose of data collection:

The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics serve as the agency of the Philippines for the collection, compilation and office release of agricultural statistics including fisheries for all bureaus, corporations and all offices under DA that utilize statistical data for economic research, policy formulation, production data forecasting, development plan and other conservation and management activities of the government.

7. INLAND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

7.1 National Agencies of the country having mandate on the conservation and management of inland water resources are breakdown with their responsibilities as follows:

a.) Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) In cooperation with the concerned national agencies, BFAR shall have the jurisdiction and responsibility in the management, conservation, development, protection, utilization and disposition of all fisheries and aquatic resources of the country except municipal waters

b.) Protected areas & Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) Under the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR)

Responsible for the management, protection, sustainable development & rehabilitation of protected areas to ensure the conservation of biological diversity toward the achievement of national economic and social development.

c.) Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) Collection of statistical data for economic research, development plan and policy formulation

d.) Ecosystem Research & Development Bureau Research unit of DENR, assembles research results & scientific information & develop technologies for the management of various ecosystem & natural resources.

e.) Philippine Council for Aquatic Marine Research & Development (PCAMRD) Under DOST In charge with the utilization, conservation & preservation of various inland water resources of the country particularly on research and development.

f.) Laguna Lake Development Authority Created to carry out the development Laguna Lake Region with due regard & adequate provisions for Environmental management & control; preservation of quality of human life & ecological system, & prevention of undue ecological disturbance, deterioration & pollution.

g.) National Mapping & Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA) Mandated to act as the central mapping agency, depository and distribution facility for natural resources data.

h.) National Water Resources Board (NWRB) Government coordinating agency for all water resources development activities & responsible for achieving scientific & orderly development of all water resources consistent with the principles of optimum utilization, conservation & protection to meet present & future needs.

i.) University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna, Institute of Biology Academe, research and development

j.) University of the Philippines College of Fisheries in the Visayas Miag-ao, Iloilo Academe, research and development

k.) National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Water Impoundment for Agricultural Development and water irrigation

l.) National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) Water Impoundment purposely for Hydro-electrical supply

m.) Central Luzon State University (CLSU) Freshwater Aquaculture Center, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija Academe, research and development

7.2 Organizational Chart of Inland Fisheries Management

As stated in the new “Phlippine Fisheries Code of 1998” or RA 8550, the jurisdiction over the management conservation, development, protection, utilization and disposition of all fish and fishery aquatic resources in inland bodies of water, streams, lakes and tidal water shall be under the jurisdiction of the municipality or city government which shall not include protected areas as define under RA 7586 (NIPAS Law), public forest, timber lands, forest reserves and fishery resources.

Although organizational chart may varies from one municipalities to another, the primary actors on the management of the inland resources are the local government units (LGU) who have the lead roles; the Municipal Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC)/Barangay FARMC or Lake FARMC as the case may be; None Government Organization (NGOs); the fisher folks and national government agencies (i.e. BFAR) in assistance, coordination and recommendatory roles to the council.

7.3 What is the nature of access right (e.g. private ownership, rental, common ownership, highly contested area)? How secure are they? Can they be defended against encroachment?

The nature of access right to inland capture fisheries in lakes and coastal water of the country based on the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 is through granting of fishing privilege by the municipal government. Under Section 17, Article I of The Municipal Fisheries, the duly registered fisher folks organizations/cooperative shall have the preference in the grant of fishery rights by the municipality/city council pursuant to section 149 of the Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, which further stated that the protection, conservation and management of municipal waters is devolved to LGU’s.

Coastal and lakeshore cities and municipalities were given authority to manage their respective aquatic resources and to issue license and permit to operate aquaculture cages and pens. Issuance of license and permit shall be based on the number and size of fishing gear; number and tonnage of fishing vessels and number and size of aquaculture structure in the case of fish cage, pen and stationary fishing structures.

Section 51, Article III (Aquaculture) of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 further states that fish pens, fish cages, fish traps and other structures for the culture of fish and other fishery products shall be constructed and operated only within the established zones duly designated by LGU’s in consultation with the FARMCs concerned consistent with the national fisheries policies.

7.4 Is there any evident of significant conflict over resources?

Cage and pen farming in inland water became loosely controlled and unregulated when the industry for milkfish and tilapia production became commercialized in the early period of 90’s. The uncontrolled proliferation of pens and cages caused conflicts with other users of the water bodies such as capture fisheries, navigation, tourism, etc. Fish kills were also reported in areas where there were proliferation of fish pens and cages due to overcrowding and intensive feeding causing organic loading and low oxygen level in the water column.