Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary Habitat Assessment and Fisheries Profiling of Sibunag, Guimaras (2016) by Wilfredo L. Campos & Mary Ann Cielo Malingin Liezel Paraboles Dexter Piloton Lucas Felix Jr. Ma. Marivic Pepino Alexanra Bagarinao Melsie Cadenas Lorelie Burgos
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Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary
Habitat Assessment and Fisheries Profiling of
Sibunag, Guimaras (2016)
by Wilfredo L. Campos
&
Mary Ann Cielo Malingin
Liezel Paraboles
Dexter Piloton
Lucas Felix Jr.
Ma. Marivic Pepino
Alexanra Bagarinao
Melsie Cadenas
Lorelie Burgos
Pamanculan Reef and Fish Sanctuary, Sibunag
The municipality of Sibunag is located on the southeastern portion of the Island Province
of Guimaras facing Negros Island. It is a 4th class municipality with a total land area of
12,004 ha and a total coastline of 73.15 km. There are 14 barangays in the municipality,
with five coastal barangays, eight inland barangays and one island barangay. All six
coastal barangays (including the island barangay) are mandated to manage and enforce
regulations on Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary.
Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary (Fig. 1) is located on Pamanculan Island, Brgy. San Isidro,
Sibunag. The Sanctuary is a sheltered MPA because neighboring islands minimize the
impact of weather disturbances and monsoons. However, mangrove forests and seagrass
meadows are heavily silted, which might be attributed to low water movement in the
area. Semi-submerged infrastructures such as 13-17 fish corral units and two fish pen
units were observed in the MPA. These infrastructures may also contribute to minimal
water mixing due to obstruction. The sanctuary was established in 2014 through
municipal ordinance no. 52 s-2014. Prior to the ordinance, a Coastal Resource
Management (CRM) plan, an MPA management plan and an operations manual were
formulated. The MPA management plan was not adopted formally, which might have
contributed to the numerous fishing gears operated in the core zone. However, the
issuance of Pamanculan as a Sanctuary was relatively recent (2014) when compared with
other PRA-RSA survey sites, which might have contributed to the lack of a proper legal
basis and the lack of development, adoption and implementation of MPA management
plans. Note that in Table 3, the buffer zone and the total area from the MO do not match
with the new computation from the GIS mapping. One possible explanation could be that
the buffer zone from the MO was computed as the total area of the core zone and the
buffer zone, other than this, the discrepancy is unknown.
Acer Aspire
Highlight
Figure 1. Map of Sibunag showing Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary.
Acer Aspire
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Acer Aspire
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Habitat Assessment and Fisheries Profiling
The surveys were conducted from 5-6 May 2016. Twelve (12) stations were assessed for coral
cover, reef associated macroepifauna and reef fish assemblages. Additionally, three (3) stations
were surveyed for mangrove habitat assessment, and also three (3) stations were surveyed for
seagrass. Locations of the surveyed stations are shown in Fig. 2. In fisheries profiling, focus group
discussion (FGD) was conducted to gather information on the fishing ground, catch composition
and fishing effort. The FGD was conducted in the Brgy. San Isidro where the MPA is located. A
series of questions were asked to the participants (fisherfolks) related to (i) fish catch, (ii) fishing
gear used, (iii) fishing grounds and (iv) seasonality were discussed with the participants. The
output of the activity included a catch matrix that provided estimates of total annual capture
fisheries production that were derived from fishing effort (number of gear units and time spent
fishing) and catch rate. Gleaned information was also used to plot a gear map, to determine the
seasonal calendar and catch composition. The catch matrix will ensure a systematic monitoring
of fishing activities and indirectly gauge abundance of fishery-targeted species, which can be used
to improve the effectiveness of the MPA.
The methodology of the surveys followed the standard protocol approved by DA-PRDP and
REECS, which is available in the final report of PRA-RSA Project. Note that only the results are
shown here.
Figure 1. Coral Reef, Mangrove and Seagrass Stations in the Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary
The reef transect coordinates, transect direction and the number of semi-permanent markers for the Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary are shown in Table , in Table for mangrove and in
Table for seagrass transects.
Table 1. Coordinates of Reef Transects in Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary, May 2016
Transect Code Coordinates Transect
Direction
No. of semi- permanent
markers N E
inside Pmi01 10.46154 122.65492 North 2
Pmi02 10.45938 122.65479 North 2
Pmi03 10.45784 122.65408 Northeast 2
Pmi04 10.45667 122.65309 Northeast 2
Pmi05 10.45658 122.65227 west Northwest 2
Pmi06 10.45652 122.65158 west Northwest 2
outside Pmo01 10.46623 122.65216 North 2
Pmo02 10.46759 122.65475 Northeast 2
Pmo03 10.4658 122.65658 North 1
Pmo04 10.45341 122.65003 Northeast 1
Pmo05 10.45323 122.64799 Northwest 1
Pmo06 10.45115 122.64844 Northwest 0
Table 2. Coordinates of Mangrove Transects in Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary, May 2016
Table 3. Coordinates of Seagrass Transects in Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary, May 2016
MPA Station Transect
Code Coordinates
Latitude Longitude
Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary
Transect 1 S-T1
10° 27' 40.08" 122° 39' 2.34"
Transect 2 S-T2
10° 27' 36.00"
122° 38' 42.48"
Transect 3 S-T3 10° 28' 0.48"
122° 38' 44.66"
Coral Reef Assessment
a. Line Intercept Transect
Pamanculan Reef and Fish Sanctuary is located near the mainland and is surrounded by several
small islands (see Fig. 2). The reef is generally shallow (1-4 meters) and corals in some areas are
almost exposed during low tide. The water movement around the area is very slow, which
increases the chances of silt to be trapped within the coral reefs. These characteristics help define
the health status of the coral reefs in Pamanculan.
Gomez et al. (1994) have standardized a classification in order to define the health status of coral
reefs (see Table 4 below). According to the coral reef assessment conducted recently (May 2016),
the reefs of Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary was generally categorized as “fair” since the average live
hard coral (LHC) cover was 45.4%. The lowest LHC cover was observed in station Pmo01 with only 16.26% and is categorized as poor. The highest LHC cover was observed in station Pmo05
with 77.78% and falls under the category “excellent”. The comparison of LHC cover between
stations are shown in Figure 3.
The health of corals, especially LHC, is obviously affected by the level of silt that suspends and is
eventually deposited in the reef. High sedimentation rate increases water turbidity, thereby
limiting light available for photosynthesis of the coral zooxanthellae endosymbiont, simply
known as the symbiotic algae that provides essential nutrients for the corals (Douglas, 2001).
Sedimentation is further enhanced by the presence of fishponds and farmlands in coastal
barangays near the sanctuary, where in terrestrial loads directly affect coral populations by
smothering coral heads and covering them with silt (ISRS, 2004).
Table 4. Coral reef classifications standardized by Gomez et al. (1994).
Figure 3. LHC cover in 12 stations surveyed in Pamanculan Reef Fish Sanctuary, 2016.
According to Wolanski (2000), soft coral distribution is strongly influenced by the charcteristics
of the aquatic environment such as temperature, turbidity, depth, salinity, water current etc. Live
soft coral (LSC) cover in the sanctuary has a mean percentage cover of 6.67% (SD ± 7.17%). This
is not surprising given that the water current in Pamanculan reef is slow and the water turbidity
is poor. Usually, high LSC cover are observed in reefs with strong water current and high water
clarity like marine protected areas in Tawi-tawi (Campos et al., 2013 & 2015).
The mean dead coral cover was 0.075%. Meanwhile, the percentage cover of dead coral with algae
was relatively high, with a mean value of 18.23%. This percentage represents the coral populations that were not able to survive the harsh aquatic condition in the area. The second
highest percentage belongs to the abiotic with 29% coverage (Fig. 4). This is comprised mostly of
silt, as recorded during the LIT survey. The detailed benthic cover data of Pamanculan Reef and
Figure 4. Percent distributions of the coral life forms in Pamanculan Reef and Fish Sanctuary, 2016.
Table 5. Summary of benthic cover in the Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary in Sibunag, Guimaras (Abbreviations: STN=station, LHC= live hard coral, LSC= live soft coral, DC= dead coral, DCA= dead coral with algae, HCR= hard coral recruit).
Ophiuroid Ophiomastix sp. Brittle star + + + Ophiomastix variabilis
Variable brittle star +
Ascidian
Didemnum molle Green barrel sea squirt + + + +
Polycarpa pigmentata
no common name found + + + + +
Flatworm
Pseudoceros sp. Blue-lined flatworm +
Holothuroid
Synapta maculata
Spotted worm sea cucumber +
Hard coral recruit (HCR) + Phoronid Phoronis australis
Horseshoe worm +
Asteroid Nardoa tuberculata
Warty mesh sea star +
Total No. of species 8 6 8 5 5 6 3 7 6 3 9 14
Note: (+) indicates the presence of the species in the station surveyed.
In Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary, crustaceans (Figure -a) had the highest species richness, although
their distribution was patchy. Patchy distribution was also exhibited by bivalves and crinoids
(Figure -b and Figure -c). Polychaetes were the second most species-rich invertebrate group and
were frequently observed. Sabellastarte indica (Indian feather duster worm) (Figure -d) was
observed in all stations except PMi02. The second most encountered species was Spirobranchus
sp. (polychaete), followed by Diadema setosum and Echinotrix calamaris (echinoids). Species that
were rarely encountered included Phoronis australis (Horseshoe worm) and Pseudoceros sp.
(Blue-lined flatworm) (Figure -e and f).
Hard coral recruits (corals < 2cm) were rarely encountered and were observed only in one station
(i.e. PMi06).
Figure 7. Representative species of macro-invertebrates observed in Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary, Sibunag, Guimaras: a. Calcinus minutus, b. Arca ventricosa, c. Comaster schlegelii, d. Sabellastarte indica, e. Phoronis australis, f. Pseudoceros sp.
Mangrove Assessment
The mangroves in Brgy. San Isidro were distributed in patches along the mainland coast.
In contrast, lush growth and extensive cover was observed along the two creeks. The mangrove
areas assessed were located in Pamanculan Island (Figure ). Three transects, covering a total of
nine 10x10m plots were established in the surveyed sites. One transect was positioned in
Pamanculan Island, which had a narrow strip/belt of mangrove stand predominantly composed
of mature trees with a spread of 40-50 meters from seaward to landward. For this reason, the
transect was laid parallel to the shore (Figure -a), angled slightly to include the landward zone.
The remaining two transects were situated near the two rivers that drained towards Pamanculan
Island. The mangroves in the riverbanks were composed of a combination of mature and young
trees and covered an expansive area, which prompted positioning the transects perpendicular to
the shore (Figure -b and c). Along the riverbanks, fishponds were observed, which were probably
created after mangrove clearing activities. Fish ponds increase the sedimentation and nutrient
loading in the area via the clearing of mangrove which trap sediments and outputs for nutrient
enriched pond waters.
Figure 8. Mangrove forests in (a) Pamanculan Island composed of mature trees and (b, c) near the river mouths which is composed of a combination of young and mature trees. (Brgy. San Isidro, Sibunag, Guimaras, May 5-6, 2016).
The first two transects were surveyed in the afternoon (1-5pm) of May 5, 2016, while the third
transect was surveyed early morning (7-8am) the next day (May 6, 2016). The time of sampling
influenced the abiotic measurements. The temperature ranged from 30.0-35.0°C, with the highest
values recorded at the first transect. Salinity ranged from 35.0-36.0 ppt. Areas with relatively
higher salinity were situated in the riverbanks because freshwater has a lower salinity relative to
seawater. The pH was measured using pH paper and values recorded were neutral (pH = 7) for
all plots. The pH of seawater usually ranges from 7.5 to 8.4. Trash was observed in all the surveyed
sites. Mangrove clearing seemed to be a recurrent activity in the area, since the team observed a
number of recently chopped and dead branches of Rhizophora stylosa and Avicennia marina.
Alternatively, mortality due to natural disturbance may also have contributed to the observations.
Ten species of mangroves belonging to five families were identified in the area (Table 1).
Rhizophora stylosa was the most widely distributed mangrove species, i.e. present in all
the transects. Eight out of 10 species concentrated in the third transect, situated near the
river, located north of Pamanculan Island. The distribution of mangrove species and the
physico-chemical characteristics of the surveyed sites are summarized in Table 2.
Table 1. List of mangrove species found in the surveyed sites of Brgy. San Isidro, Sibunag, Guimaras last May 5-6, 2016.
Family Species Code Primulaceae Aegiceras floridum AF Aviceniaceae Avicennia marina AM
Avicennia rumphiana AR Rhiziphoraceae Bruguiera gymnorrhiza BG
Ceriops decandra CD
Rhizophora apiculata RA
Rhizophora mucronata RM
Rhizophora stylosa RS Soneratiaceae Sonneratia alba SA Meliaceae Xylocarpus granatum XG
Total Stand Basal Area (SBA) for the surveyed mangrove sites in San Isidro, Sibunang was 58.22
m2/ha, largely dominated by Avicennia marina (46.62 m2/ha) (
Table 3). The total SBA recorded was higher compared to values observed by Campos et al. (2013)
in Boracay Island, Aklan (55.12 m2/ha), Uy et al. (2002) in Tabina, Zamboanga del Sur (10.72 -
39.78 m2/ha), Walters (1999) in Bais Bay, Dumaguete (33.2 m2/ha); but was lower compared to
values recorded by Campos et al. (2014) in Carles, Iloilo (518.84 m2/ha) and Tibubos (2006) in
Libertad, Antique (156.74 m2/ha).
Table 2. Physico-chemical characteristics and the distribution of mangrove species in surveyed sites of Brgy. San Isidro, Sibunag, Guimaras (Sub-substrate; Sal - salinity; Temp - temperature).
AREA COORDINATES SUBSTRATE SAL (ppt)
pH TEMP (°C)
MANGROVE SPECIES DISTRIBUTION AF AM AR BG CD RA RM RS SA XG
Transect 1 N E
Plot 1 10.45645 122.65416 sandy 35 7 35.33
X X
Plot 2 10.45928 122.65118 sandy 35 7 32.17
X
Plot 3 10.45918 122.65146 sandy no water in the area to conduct these tests
X X
Transect 2
Plot 1 - - sandy-muddy 36 7 32.00 X
X
Plot 2 10.46032 122.64362 sandy-muddy 36 7 21.83
X
X
X
Plot 3 10.46037 122.64319 sandy-muddy 36 7 31.00
X X
Transect 3
Plot 1 10.47430 122.65613 sandy-muddy 35 7 30.00
X
Plot 2 10.47463 122.65646 sandy-muddy no water in the area to conduct these tests
X X
X X X X X
X
Plot 3 10.47497 122.65675 sandy-muddy 36 7 30.67 X X
X
Table 3. List of mangroves and corresponding stand basal area (SBA) of each species, SBA of all trees occupying the area and stems per hectare (SPH) in San Isidro, Sibunag, Guimaras last May5-6, 2016.
AREA SPECIES BA (m2/ha) SBA (m2/ha) of each species
The overall condition of mangroves in Brgy. San Isidro, Sibunag was excellent (Deguit et al. 2004). The
mangrove stand was composed of mature and young trees with an average height of 5.83m. The
number of wildlings was 1.15 ind./m2 signifying that the stand had high regenerative capacity. Lush
growth of mangroves was observed but a number of dead mangrove branches and a few cuts due to
human clearing were observed. However, mangrove clearing activities were probably minimal, since
the crown cover remained very high (>76%). The sampling was conducted at low tide, where the
mangrove forests were exposed to high irradiance and temperature; hence, only few organisms, such
as gastropods attached to the mangrove pneumatophores were observed. In addition, shrimps
(Penaeus semisulcatus) and bivalves were gleaned in the surveyed area by a fisherman.
Seagrass Assessment
Seagrass meadows were assessed in and around Pamanculan Island. Surveyed sites exhibited turbid
conditions because of river runoff. A total of three 100m-transects were laid in the area. One transect
was located on Pamanculan Island and the remaining two were positioned west of the Island near the
mainland. Poor visibility (ca 12-30 cm) due to heavy siltation was the major problem encountered
during two transect locations. The estimated depth of the surveyed sites ranged from ca 0.6-2m,
which required the team to SCUBA dive in one transect. The sea surface temperature was 32-33°C
and salinity was at 35.0 ppt. No readings for temperature and salinity were done for the 2nd and 3rd
transect. The geographical coordinates and physical attributes of the surveyed site are summarized
in Table 6.
Table 6. Geographic coordinates and abiotic parameters measured in the surveyed seagrass areas. Transect Sampling
Time Coordinates Substrate Depth
(during sampling)
Temp (°C)
Salinity (ppt)
N E
1 1300-1600
10.46113 122.65065 Sand/ silt 2-6ft 32.33 35
2 0930-1130
10.45958 122.64573 silt/mud 4-7ft
3 1300-1600
10.46680 122.64600 silt/mud 3-5ft
The overall mean percent seagrass cover in the area was 2.11% (± SD 2.46%) (Figure -top left). This
value is within the lowest range of seagrass cover in the Philippines (Table 7). The survey conducted
last October 2015 by LGU-Sibunag showed an estimated percent cover of 2.8% that declined to 0.7%
during the present assessment. A 5.0% decline in seagrass cover was observed, when compared to
2004 data from save the children foundation. This translates to a decrease in seagrass cover of 0.4-
0.7% annually. Heavy siltation may have contributed to the decline in seagrass cover over the years
through reduced light penetration and blade surface area that limits growth.
Figure 9. Percent seagrass cover (%) (top left), species composition (bottom left) and distribution (x=present) and snapshot of the seagrass bed in Pamanculan Island, Sibunag Guimaras (right).
4.87 0.161.30
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
T1 T2 T3
Transect
Seag
rass
Co
ver
(%)
Only two seagrass species were observed in Sibunag, i.e. Enhalus acoroides and Thalassia
hemprichii (Figure -bottom left). Previous reports from the Pamanculan Reef and Fish
Sanctuary Mangement Plan (2013) indicated the presence of Syringodium isoetifolium inside
the Pamanculan core zone; however, this species was not encountered during the present
survey. Possible hypotheses for the absence of S. isoetifolium in our assessment include were
(i) the species might be locally extinct due to physico-chemical stressors or (ii) it was missed
due to very turbid waters and different monitoring stations. Enhalus acoroides and T.
hemprichii were observed in Pamanculan Island (1st transect), with the latter species
appearing only in the middle (40-50m segment) of the transect. Seagrass meadows in the 2nd
and 3rd transect were homospecific stands of E. acoroides. The observed dominance and
homogeneity of E. acoroides is consistent with the high turbidity. This large, slow-growing
seagrass species is classified as a climax species (Duarte, 1991) and is known to be resilient
to light reduction and enhanced sedimentation (Vermaat et al., 1995). Thus, the growth of
this species is favored in silty and turbid environments, such as the ones encountered in the
surveyed sites.
Table 7.Comparison of seagrass data reported for various sites in Western Visayas and Mindoro.
Survey Site No. of Species
Cover Reference Range Mean
Sibunag, Guimaras 2 0.16-4.87 2.83 This study Unisan Is., Nva. Valencia, Guimaras
7 60.39-66.65 64.2 This study
Lawi, Jordan, Guimaras 6 13.41-55.51 32.4 This study San Lorenzo, Guimaras 4 25.73-29.5 27.9 This study Concepcion, Iloilo 7 1.36-26.64 11.2 Campos et al., 2016 Carles & Estancia, Iloilo 6 0.72-40.80 13.3 Campos et al., 2014 Balabag, Boracay/ Malay, Aklan
8 47.40-74.20 62.2 Campos et al., 2013
Caluya, Antique 8 23.90-72.60 49.1 Campos et al., 2013 Sapian Bay, Capiz 2 1.10-24.70 12.4 Campos et al., 2001 Or. Mindoro 6 17.70-32.30 26.8 Campos et al., 2009 Lubang Is., Occ. Mindoro
8
33.4 Genito et al., 2010
Gigantes Islands, Carles, Iloilo
4 4.20-68.30 38.1 Campos et al., 2012
Concepcion, Iloilo 2 1.20-18.20 12.2 Save the Children unpub. Data 2002 Ajuy, Iloilo 1
9.6 Save the Children unpub. Data 2001
Cadiz, Negros Occ (islands)
7 6.10-13.90 9.6 Campos et al., 2003
Guimaras Is. (entire coast)
7 11.50-48.10 25.9 Babaran & Ingles, 1996
Jordan, Guimaras 3 6.10-23.40 15.8 Save the Children unpub. Data 2003 Sibunag, Guimaras 4 3.30-13.20 8.1 Save the Children unpub. Data 2004 Nueva Valencia, Guimaras
9 0.40-73.60 25.3 Nievales, 2009
A distinct horizontal zonation of seagrass was observed in the surveyed sites (Figure ). There was an
abrupt increase in the percentage cover observed at the middle segments (30-50m) of the transect
lines, followed by a decrease in deeper areas. Since these are average values for all three transects,
the increase may be attributed to the presence of Thalassia hemprichii in the 40-50 m segment of the
1st transect. The rest of the segments were comprised of patchy but very long E. acoroides stands.
Figure 10. Horizontal distribution of seagrass for all three transects in Pamanculan Island, Sibunag, Guimaras.
Measurements of the canopy height were incomplete due to high water turbidity in the 2nd and 3rd
transect, thus leaf measurements were only made in the first transect, i.e. the Pamanculan core zone.
E. acoroides was the dominant species and contributed significantly to canopy complexity, hence, only
this species was measured for canopy height. A tall blade length is one of the distinct characteristic
of E. acoroides. High blade length (> 1m) of this species is an adaptive reproductive mechanism. Blade
length ranged from 47.92 (±13.68 SD) to 99.56cm (± 16.6cm SD) (Figure ). Blade length for the first
50m was lower compared to the blade lengths of seagrass situated in deeper waters.
Figure 11. Horizontal distribution of Enhalus acoroides (Ea) canopy height in relation to the four dominant seagrass species in Pamanculan Island.
Ponot Fish corral 50 5.8 Miscellaneous Panginhas Gleaning 100 11.7
25.6 Panulo Gleaning with light 100 11.7
Pamana Spearshing 20 2.3 TOTAL 858 100.0
Gear Map
Figure 17 summarizes the gears used in Brgy. San Isidro. During the discussions, fishers were asked
to draw and mark areas where they usually place their fishing gear.
Figure 17. Gear map showing the approximate locations of the fishing gears used in Brgy. San Isidro Sibunag, Guimaras
The gear map shows that Brgy. San Isidro comprises their fishing ground, with extensions to Alegria
and Sebaste. The reef flats of the mainland and the nearby islands of Inampulugan, Pamanculan and
Natunga were gleaned during the day and night. Fishing activities were more concentrated in the
Pamanculan Sanctuary and Seraray Islands. The concentration of fishing inside the sanctuary might
be the result of unclear delineation, lack of enforcement and a higher abundance of fish in this area
due to protection.
Fishing Calendar and Seasonality
Summarized in
Table21 were the fishing gears used in Brgy San Isidro in the lean and peak months. The majority of
the fishing gears were operated year-round, except for spearfishing and simple hook and line, which
were only used in the months of October to May, and November to December. For the majority of the
fishing gears, peak catch was during the Southwest monsoon (habagat), reaching a maximum of 20
kg for crab traps and 30 kg for bottom set gillnet, if rays were present in their catch. Fishermen
practicing gleaning and spearfishing, experienced their peak catch during December, and from April
to May, respectively. Drive-in gillnet, hook and line and jigger had similar catch rates throughout the
year, thus there was no seasonal catch trend visible.
The peak months in Brgy. San Isidro were different relative to peak months in Central Antique
(Campos et al., 2012) and Bauan, Batangas (Campos et al., 2012), with a catch peak experienced
during the Northeast monsoon and summer months. This difference is attributed to the lack of
landmass that shelters San Isidro during the Northeast monsoon.
Table 21. Fishing calendar and peak months of various fishing gears inventoried in Brgy. San Isidro Sibunag, Guimaras on May 5, 2016
Fisheries Production
Table 22 summarizes the estimated annual production of the gear types in Barangay San Isidro
Sibunag, Guimaras. The overall annual production was ca. 637.52 MT. The highest production
(288MT) was due to crab traps (panggal), which might be a function of the gears’ high number of
units and average catch. This was followed by bottom set longline (labay) and bottom set gillnet
(palugdang) with 72MT and 60MT, respectively. Production estimates for spearfishing, hook and line
and jigger were relatively low (<5MT).
Catch Rates
Gears with high CPUE were crab traps, bottom set longlines and bottom set gillnets (2.0 – 3.3
kg/fisher/trip) (Figure 18). The volume of production of these three gears constituted the bulk of the
fishery production (66%) in Barangay San Isidro, with an estimated volume of 420MT. Jigger showed
a comparable CPUE (2.0 kg/fisher/trip) as bottom set gillnets, but had the lowest contribution to the
total production as this gear had the lowest number of gear units.
Local Name English Name Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Panggal Crab trap
Labay Bottom set longline
Palugdang Bottom set gillnet
Ponot Fish corral
Bintol Crab liftnet
Bubo sa isda Fish trap
Pukot pangkasag Crab gillnet
Pang-aluman Encircling gillnet
Panginhas Gleaning
Panulo Gleaning with light
Panambahan Drive-in gillnet
Pamana Spearshing
Pamunit Hook and Line
Into-Into Jigger
Fishing gears MONTHS
Figure 18. Estimated annual production and catch rate per fisher per trip of fishing gears used in Brgy. San Isidro Sibunag, Guimaras based on the FGD conducted on May 5, 2016
Fishing Effort
In Barangay San Isidro, crab traps recorded the highest contribution (45.2%) and estimated annual
production (288MT) because this fishing gear had the highest number of gear units and average catch
(Table 22). In terms of fishing effort, crab traps consistently required a high effort, except for the
number of fishing days/year, since this gear was operated at an average of only 20 days per month.
Jigger on the other hand recorded the lowest fishing effort, but also the lowest production estimates
(Table 22 and
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Av
e. c
act
h/
fish
er/
trip
Est
. An
nu
al
Ca
tch
(M
T)
Fishing gears
Est. Annual catch (MT)
Ave catch/fisher/trip
Table23). Only three units of jigger were reported during the FGD, however, this value might have
been underestimated. It is therefore important to verify the data presented here through either a
systematic monitoring or a gear inventory.
Table 22. Catch matrix for Brgy. San Isidro Sibunag Guimaras generated during the FGD on May 5, 2016
Table 23. Ranking of fishing gear by various measures of fishing effort in Brgy. San Isidro Sibunag, Guimaras based on fisheries profiling conducted on May 5, 2016
The people in the community of Brgy. San Isidro are also engaged in farming, coal production
(wood), carpentry work and as “habal-habal” drivers. Hence, they do not rely strictly on fishing
for livelihood. This may explain why the average fishing days per month were only 10-15 days,
with an exception for stationary fishing gears (e.g. crab traps, fish corrals). The major fishing
expenditures were attributed to gasoline, followed by the maintenance of fishing materials, food
and bait.
The problems experienced by the fishermen were a decrease in their catch relative to the 1980’s
– 1990’s, the size of their catch shifted to the dominance of smaller sized individuals, and the local
extinction of several target species. All of these observations are signs of overfishing that caused
a reduction in size (growth overfishing), abundance, and the local extinctions of several
vulnerable target species.
Moreover, the encroachment of commercial fishermen from Negros and Iloilo may also have
contributed significantly to the overfished fish stocks. Commercial fishing vessels are not
permitted to operate within the municipal waters as stipulated in the Philippine fisheries code
because of the displacement of municipal fishers and the potential destruction of benthic habitat.
However, this law is often not enforced on the ground. To counteract this threat, the fishers suggested the drafting of a resolution and/or ordinance that prohibits illegal fishing in the
municipal fishing grounds. In addition, enforcement and surveillance should improve and be
applied to their MPAs.
Currently, the Pamanculan Fish Sanctuary has a management council that has regular meetings.
They also drafted a management plan that spans five years (2013-2018), with assistance from
KOICA. However, it was not indicated if the MPA activities listed in the management plan were
conducted. Although, the MPA management plan and management body were already
established, the barangay ordinance for the MPA has yet to be drafted. Moreover, a proper
delineation of the MPA (i.e. using marker buoys) and the establishment of an MPA guardhouse