









































Pa
ge

 
1



Pa
ge

 
13

American Journal of  Environmental
Economics (AJEE) 

Socio-Economic Condition, Challenges, and Problems Encountered by Fisherfolks in           
Marine Biodiversity Conservation and Protection in Pilar, Capiz

Philomel Innocent Obligar1*

Volume 4 Issue 1, Year 2025
ISSN: 2833-7905 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajee.v4i1.4288
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajee

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: December 21, 2024

Accepted: January 28, 2025

Published: February 13, 2025

The diversity and quantity of  organisms found in the world’s oceans and seas is referred to 
as marine biodiversity. The abundance of  life in the seas is huge since the earth was shielded 
by water to a degree of  about 70%. Because people still rely on the resources of  the Earth 
for their livelihood, health, and well-being, it is crucial to preserve marine biodiversity. Marine 
biodiversity is prized for its inherent value, ecological services it offers, and direct benefits to 
humans. The following goals guided the conduct of  this study was to assess the socioeconomic 
standing of  fisher folks of  Pilar, Capiz, identify the difficulties that fisher folks encounter 
and, to identify the issues that fisher folks in Pilar Bay face when it comes to the preservation 
and conservation of  biodiversity. Three hundred two (302) fisher folks participated in the 
researchers’ mixed-method study, which was conducted in seven coastal barangays of  Pilar. 
A stratified sampling strategy was used to choose them. The tool used to get information 
from the respondents was a questionnaire. The findings were presented descriptively using 
the calculated frequency counts (f) and relative frequency or percentages (%). To ascertain 
the difficulties and issues respondents faced with biodiversity conservation and protection, 
the average age-weighted value or weighted mean was employed.   According to the study’s 
findings, the majority of  respondents were married men between the ages of  31 and 40 who 
had completed secondary school, had one to three family members, and made between Php 
5001 and Php 7000 per month. The majority of  respondents obtained their funds from 
lending individuals and institutions, lived in wooden-type homes, and fished in the deep 
open sea region for 6 to 9 hours every day using trawls as their fishing gear. They also used 
motorized boats that caught 30-41 kg of  fish per day, representing roughly 16 different species. 
The respondents concurred that they are dealing with cultural, environmental, and economic 
difficulties. In addition to agreeing on environmental issues, the respondents firmly agreed that 
they have experienced human issues and governance with the conservation and protection of  
maritime biodiversity.

Keywords

Challenges, Conservation, Marine 
Biodiversity, Protection, Socio-
Economic Condition

1 Capiz State University, Pilar Satellite College, Natividad, Pilar, Capiz, Philippines
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: pipobligar@capsu.edu.ph

INTRODUCTION 
One of  the most significant animal protein sources 
for human consumption is marine fish, particularly in 
developing nations with coasts. In the Philippines, marine 
fishing is another significant sector. Many people thought 
the ocean was so big and strong that neither the marine 
environment nor the marine fisheries resources could be 
altered fifty years ago. We all agree that manmade issues like 
overfishing, habitat damage, pollution, the introduction 
of  exotic species, and climate change are mostly to blame 
for the decline of  fisheries resources fifty years later.
The Philippines’ and the world’s fisheries are in a dire 
state right now. Together with rising fish demand and 
population expansion, overfishing, illicit fishing, and 
habitat loss are pushing fisheries production farther into 
the abyss. Fishing villages are experiencing an alarming 
rise in protein deficit, which seemed unthinkable just 
20 years ago.  Thus, species richness and abundance in 
the world’s oceans and seas are referred to as marine 
biodiversity. Additionally, there is a vast abundance of  
life in the oceans because water makes up to 70% of  the 
planet. Because people still rely on Earth’s resources for 
their livelihood, health, and well-being, it is imperative 
that marine biodiversity be protected.  

Marine biodiversity is prized for its inherent value, 
ecological services it offers, and direct benefits to humans. 
Disease, pollution, climate change, habitat modification, 
overexploitation, and invasive species are just a few of  
the man-made hazards to marine ecosystems. Natural 
hazards also exist, such as storm-induced physical damage 
and natural cycle-induced variations in temperature and 
salinity. These habitats are protected using a variety 
of  conservation strategies that include management, 
monitoring, and international collaboration.
It is difficult to find answers for these issues. To stabilize 
and reverse the detrimental trends now affecting fisheries 
and coastal ecosystems, difficult choices must be taken. 
The following goals guided the conduct of  this study: 
1. ascertain the socioeconomic status of  the fishermen 
in Pilar, Capiz, 2. Identify the difficulties that fishermen 
confront, and 3. Identify the difficulties that fishermen 
face in protecting and conserving biodiversity in Pilar Bay.      

LITERATURE REVIEW
According to Dela Cruz, M., continuous growth in 
population and increasing demand for fish and fish 
products have resulted in degraded fishery habitats and 
competing uses among stakeholders. Based on the survey 



Pa
ge

 
14

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajee

Am. J. Environ Econ. 4(1) 13-20, 2025

of  fishermen in the Municipality of  Cabuyao, Laguna, 
fishermen have been involved in fishing for more than 
half  of  their lives. The net annual income generated 
by municipal fishermen ranged from P16,632.00 – 
P70,224.00. The annual average net income of  the 
fishermen is still below the annual per capita poverty 
threshold. Fishing is a livelihood and is essential to a large 
part of  the population in the municipality of  Cabuyao, 
Laguna. Sustaining the benefits derived from fishery 
can only be achieved if  environmental, socio-economic 
and legal/institutional issues are fully addressed. 
Environmental issues include land-based pollution as it 
affects the lake’s water quality. The socio-economic issues 
include conflicts in lake usage between residents and non-
residents, usage of  illegal and active fishing gears, low 
income and no adequate privileges for fisher folks. 
According to Bianchi et al.  (2000) in their study entitled 
“Marine biodiversity of  the Mediterranean Sea: situation, 
problems and prospects for future research” that despite 
the sea’s enormous cultural and economic significance 
for the Mediterranean countries, Mediterranean marine 
biodiversity has only gotten a small portion of  the 
attention given to its terrestrial equivalent. More than 
8500 species of  macroscopic marine animals, or between 
4% to 18% of  all marine species worldwide, are thought 
to reside in the Mediterranean Sea. Given that the 
Mediterranean Sea makes up only 0.82% of  the global 
ocean’s surface area and 0.32% of  its volume, this is a 
striking statistic. Historical (its study tradition predates 
that of  nearly every other sea), paleogeographic (its 
turbulent geological history over the past five million 
years has been determining the occurrence of  distinct 
biogeographic categories), and ecological (its variety of  
climatic and hydrologic situations within a single basin 
probably has no equals in the world) factors may all 
contribute to the Mediterranean Sea’s high biodiversity. 
The combined effects of  climate change and human 
activity are rapidly changing the biodiversity of  the 
Mediterranean today, yet there are currently few species 
or ecosystem conservation mechanisms in place. In order 
to comprehend the function and trends of  Mediterranean 
marine biodiversity, marine ecological research should: (1) 
re-value scientific fields like taxonomy, biogeography, and 
systematics that are currently out of  style with funding 
agencies; and (2) begin long-term biodiversity monitoring 
at the Mediterranean scale, perhaps through a globally 
coordinated network of  marine protected areas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this study, the researchers employed a mixed-
method research approach. This approach is centered 
on gathering, evaluating, and combining quantitative 
and non-quantitative data. Instead of  sticking to just 
one method of  data collection and analysis, it enables 
researchers to consider a variety of  methodologies. 
In Pilar, Capiz, this study was carried out in seven 
barangays along the shore. In the province of  Capiz, it is 
a seaside municipality. The municipality makes up 3.01% 

of  Capiz’s total area, with a land area of  77.99 square 
kilometers, or 30.11 square miles. 47,100 people were 
living there as of  the 2020 Census. This accounted for 
5.85% of  the Capiz province’s entire population, which is 
equivalent to 0.59% of  the Western Visayas region’s total 
population. According to these numbers, there are 604 
people per square kilometer, or 1,564 people per square 
mile. Politically, Pilar is categorized as a fourth-class 
economy. The study’s 302 respondents were fisherfolks 
from seven barangays along the coast. Three hundred 
two (302) fishermen were chosen as sample responses out 
of  1407. Stratified sampling was used to choose them, 
and Cochran’s Formula was used to determine sample 
sizes by barangay.  Of  the 237 fishermen in Barangay 
Dayhagan, 51 were chosen as study participants; 23 were 
chosen from among 107 fishermen in Barangay Balogo; 
46 were chosen from among 215 fishermen in Barangay 
Casanayan; 39 were chosen from among 182 fishermen 
in Barangay San Ramon; 48 were chosen from among 
223 fishermen in Barangay Poblacion; 52 were chosen 
from among 241 fishermen in Barangay Natividad; 
and 43 were chosen from among the 202 fishermen 
in Barangay Binaobawan. The tool utilized to collect 
information from the respondents was a questionnaire. 
To better comprehend the respondents, it was translated 
into Hiligaynon and consisted of  two sections. Part 1 asks 
about the respondents’ socioeconomic circumstances, 
whereas Part 2 focuses on the difficulties and issues  
fisher folks face in protecting and conserving marine 
biodiversity.   Prior it being given to fisher folks, the 
questionnaire underwent pre-testing. For the benefit of  
the responders, it was translated into Hiligaynon. Ten 
fisher folks (10) from barangay Natividad participated in 
a pre-test to ensure its validity and dependability.   Prior to 
the actual interview, a letter of  authorization was received 
from the local mayor and the college satellite director. In 
addition to physically distributing the questionnaire to 
the various barangays under investigation, the researchers 
also asked the respondents all of  the questions included 
on the questionnaire. While interviewing respondents, 
the researchers translated the questionnaire’s contents 
into Hiligaynon languages. Inquiries on respondents’ 
socioeconomic circumstances and environmental issues 
that are pertinent to their fishing activities were also made.  
To draw findings and consequences, the questionnaire 
responses from the respondents were meticulously tallied, 
examined, and evaluated. The findings were presented 
descriptively using the frequency counts (f) and relative 
frequency or percentages (%) that were calculated. To 
ascertain the difficulties and issues respondents faced 
with biodiversity conservation and protection, the 
average weighted value or weighted mean was employed. 
The respondents were asked to rate the seriousness of  
the issues and challenges they faced in protecting and 
conserving biodiversity using the following scale: 5, 
strongly agree (scale from 4.21-5.00); 4, agree (3.41-4.20); 
3, undecided (2.61-3.40); 2, disagree (1.81-2.60); and 1, 
strongly disagree (1.00-1.80). 



Pa
ge

 
15

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajee

Am. J. Environ Econ. 4(1) 13-20, 2025

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Socio Demographic Profile
The respondents’ sociodemographic profile is displayed 
in Table 1. According to the data, just 15 (4.97%) of  the 
302 responders were female, while 287 (95.03%) were 
male. This suggested that fishing is still dominated by 
male laborers.
Only two, or 0.66%, of  the 302 respondents were 
widowed, while 290, or 96.03%, were married and 10 
or 3.31 were single. This suggested that married people 
made up the majority of  the responders.
Of  the 302 respondents, 139 (46.03%) were between the 
ages of  31 and 40, 106 (35.10%) were between the ages 
of  41 and 50, and 57 (18.87%) were between the ages 
of  20 and 40. This indicates that nearly majority of  the 
respondents were between the ages of  31 and older.  
Of  the 302 respondents, only 7 (2.32%) had a college 
degree, 267 (88.41%) had a secondary degree, and 28 
(9.27%) had an elementary degree. This suggested that 
the majority of  those surveyed had completed high 
school.
107, or 35.43%, of  the 302 respondents had family 
members of  ages 4-6, while 195, or 64.57, have family 
members of  ages 1-3. This indicates that a large number 
of  responders have family members aged 1-3.
105, or 34.77%, of  the 302 respondents make between 
Php 3001 and Php 5000 per month, 46, or 15.23%, 
make between Php 1000 and Php 3000 per month, and 
151, or 50%, make between Php 5001 and Php 7000 
per month. This indicated that half  of  the respondents 
earned between Php 5001 and Php 7000 per month. This 
monthly salary is below the poverty threshold.

Table 1: Distribution of  respondents according to their 
socio-demographic profile.
Profile Frequency Percentage
Gender
Male 287 95.03
Female 15 4.97
Total 302 100
Civil Status
Married 290 96.03
Signle 10 3.31
Widowed 2 0.66
Total 302 100
Age
20 – 30 years old 57 18.87
31 – 40 years old 139 46.03
41 – 50 years ols 106 35.10
Total 302 100
Educational Attainment
Elementary Graduate 28 9.27
Secondary Graduate 267 88.41
College Level 7 2.32

Table 2: Distribution of  respondents according to their 
source of  funds
Source of  Capital Frequency Percentage
Lending Institution 102 33.77
Lending Individual 106 35.10
Owned 94 31.13
Total 302 100

Table 3: Distribution of  respondents according to their 
type of  house
Type of  House Frequency Percentage
Concrete 29 9.60
Wooden 188 62.25
Nipa 9 2.98
Combination (Concrete 
& Wood)

76 25.17

Total 302 100

Total 302 100
Family Members
1-3 195 64.57
4-6 107 35.43
Total 302 100
Monthly Income
Php 1000-3000 46 15.23
Php 3001-5000 105 34.77
Php 5001 – 7000 151 50.00
Total 302 100

Source of  Funds
The respondents’ financial sources are displayed in Table 
2. According to the statistics, only 94 or 31.13% of  the 
302 respondents had their own capital, while 120 or 
35.10% obtained money from lending people (such as 
Bombay or 5/6), and 102 or 33.77% obtained it from 
lending institutions. This suggested that the majority 
of  respondents exclusively contribute money to lending 
organizations.

Type of  House
The respondents’ home type is displayed in Table 3. 
188, or 62.25%, of  the 302 components were composed 
of  wood, 76, or 25.17%, of  a concrete and wood 
combination, 29 of  which, or 9.60%, were composed 
of  concrete, and 9 of  which, or 2.98%, were composed 
of  nipa. This suggested that wood was used to build the 
majority of  the respondent’s homes.

Fishing Area
The respondents’ fishing area is displayed in Table 4. 
68, or 22.52%, of  the 302 respondents fished in shallow 
surface regions, while 234, or 77.48%, fished in deep-



Pa
ge

 
16

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajee

Am. J. Environ Econ. 4(1) 13-20, 2025

open sea areas. This suggested that the majority of  those 
surveyed were fishing in open-shallow waters.

Table 4: Distribution of  respondents according to their 
fishing area
Fishing Area Frequency Percentage
Shallow surface area 68 22.52
Deep-Open sea Area 234 77.48
Total 302 100

Table 5: Distribution of  respondents according to their 
duration in fishing
Duration in Sea Frequency Percentage
3-5 hours 27 8.94
6-9 hours 225 74.50
10-12 hours 50 16.56
Total 302 100

Table 6: Distribution of  Respondents according to the 
type of  fishing gear
Type of  Fishing Gear Frequency Percentage
Gill net 23 7.62
Trawl 127 42.05
Scoop net 58 19.20
Hook and Line 94 31.13
Total 302 100

Table 8: Distribution of  respondents according to the 
volume of  catch per day
Volume of  catch per 
day

Frequency Percentage

10-20 kgs 27 8.94
21-30 kgs 94 31.13
31-40 kgs 125 41.39
41-50 kgs 56 18.54
Total 302 100

Table 9: Distribution of  respondents according to their type of  fish catch. 
Common Name English Name Scientific Name
Gurayan Shorthead Anchovy Encrasicholina heteroloba(Ruppell 1837
Sapsap Ponyfish Leiognathus equula(Forsskal, 1775)
Aso-os Lady Fish Elops saurus (Linneaus,1766)
Palad Speckled tonguesoie Cynoglossus puncticeps Richardson 1847
tuloy/tamban Smooth belly sardinella Sardinella longiceps(valenciennes 1847
tabagak Borneo river sprat Amblygaster leiogaster(Valenciennes, 1847
Hasa-hasa Short-bodied mackerel Clupeoides borneensis(Bleeker 1851)
kugaw Striped threadfin Polydactylus plebeius (Broussonet1782

Table 7: Distribution of  respondents according to the 
type of  fishing boat
Type of  Fishing Boat Frequency Percentage
Motorized boat 302 100Fishing duration

The respondents’ fishing duration is displayed in Table 
5. 225, or 74.50%, of  the 302 respondents spent around 
6–9 hours looking for fish, 50, or 16.56%, spent roughly 
10–12 hours, and 27 (or 8.94%) spent three to five hours 
at the fishing area. This suggested that most responders 
spent six to nine hours at the fishing area.

Type of  fishing gear
The type of  fishing gear used by the respondents is 
displayed in Table 6. The trawl was employed by 127 
(42.05%) of  the 302 responders, the hook and line by 
94 (31.13%), the scoop net by 58 (19.20%), and the gill 
net by 23 (7.62%). This suggested that a large number of  
responders fished with trawls.

Type of  fishing boat
The type of  fishing boat used by the respondents is 
displayed in Table 7. 302 out of  302 respondents, or 
100%, reported using a banca or motorized boat. This 
suggested that practically every responder fished from a 
banca or motorized boat.

Volume of  catch daily
The respondents’ daily catch volume (kg) is displayed in 
Table 8. Of  the 302 responders, 125 (41.39%) catch 31–
40 kg daily, 94 (31.13%) catch 21–30 kg daily, 56 (18.54%) 
catch 41–50 kg daily, and 27 (8.94%) catch 10–20 kg daily. 
This suggested that the majority of  responders catch 
between 31 and 40 kg every day.    

Kind of  fish catch
The respondents’ daily catch volume (kg) is displayed in 
Table 8. Of  the 302 responders, 125 (41.39%) catch 31–
40 kg daily, 94 (31.13%) catch 21–30 kg daily, 56 (18.54%) 
catch 41–50 kg daily, and 27 (8.94%) catch 10–20 kg daily. 
This suggested that the majority of  responders catch 
between 31 and 40 kg every day.  



Pa
ge

 
17

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajee

Am. J. Environ Econ. 4(1) 13-20, 2025

Abo Sin Croaker Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Shaw1804
Silag Commerson’s Anchovy Johnius carutta (Cuvier 1830)
galunggong Blue mackere scad Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier 1899)
Bisugo Goldern Thread Bream Decapterus macrosoma (Bleeker 1851)
Pak-an Blackfin scad Alepes melanoptera(Swainson,1839)
Lawayan Common pony fish Leiognathus equulus (Forsskal 1775)
Gisaw Largescale mullet Liza macrolepis (Smith 1849)
Lagaw Notchedfin threadfin bream Nemipterus nemurus (Bleeker 1897)

Economic Challenges faced by Fisher folks
The respondents’ financial difficulties are displayed in 
Table 10. The respondents agreed with the following 
statement on the economic difficulties they encountered, 
with a mean score of  3.92 overall. In particular, the 
remark on the decline in daily catch or “Naga nubo kag 
saka nga panguha” (m=4.57) was highly agreed with by 
them. They concurred with the following statements: lack 
of  storage facilities/kulang sang lugar nga bulutangan 
(m=4.10), poverty/kaimulon (m=3.73), lack of  alternate 

income generation opportunities/wala sang iban nga 
palangitan-an (m=4.13), fishermen’s reliance on traders, 
aratdars, village moneylenders, and boat owners for loans 
at exorbitant interest rates/naga dependi lang sa tag-iya 
ka baroto, kag manug pa utang (m=3.99), inability to 
purchase fishing equipment and life insurance/wala life 
insurance kag insurance ka guba sang baroto (m=3.47), 
and lack of  fishermen’s groups/cooperatives/wala sang 
kaigo nga cooperatiba (m=3.50).

Table 10: Economic challenges of  fishermen 
Economic Challenges faced by Fishermen Mean Verbal Interpretation
1. Dwindling of  daily catch/Naga nubo kag saka nga panguha 4.57 Strongly Agree
2. Lack of  storage facility/kulang sang lugar nga bulutangan 4.10 Agree
3. Poverty/kaimulon 3.73 Agree
4. Lack of  alternate income generation opportunity/wala sang iban nga 

palangitan-an
4.13 Agree

5. Dependence of  fishermen on traders, aratdars, village moneylenders, 
boat owners for loans at usurious rates of  interest/naga dependi lang sa 
tag-iya ka baroto, kag manug pa utang

3.87 Agree

6. Lack of  capacity to procure fishing inputs such as boats and nets from 
own financial resources/wala ikasarang mag bakal ka baroto kag gamit 
sa pangisda

3.99 Agree

7. No insurance coverage for life and fishing equipment/wala life insurance 
kas insurance ka guba sang baroto

3.47 Agree

8. Non-existence of  fishermen groups/cooperatives/wala sang naga kaigo 
nga cooperatiba

3.50 Agree

TOTAL 3.48 Agree

Table 11: Environmental Challenges faced by the respondents
Economic Challenges faced by Fishermen Mean Verbal Interpretation
1. Ocean acidification/naga taas ang acidity lebel ka dagat 3.50 Strongly Agree
2. Habitat damage/naga ka guba nga balayan ka isda 3.60 Agree

Environmental challenges faced by the respondents
The respondents’ environmental issues are displayed in 
Table 11. The respondents agreed with the following 
statement on the environmental issues they encountered, 
with a mean score of  3.90 overall.  In particular, they 
strongly agreed with the findings regarding climate-
related extreme events and natural hazards, including 
typhoons, sea level rise, high population density in coastal 

areas, and damo nga tawo ukon pamilya ang ara sa higad 
dagat (m=4.57). The respondents concurred with the 
following statements: rising sea temperatures (m=3.64), 
habitat damage (m=3.60), fish migration from one area to 
another (m=3.87), sudden changes in weather (m=3.67), 
and ocean acidification (naga taas ang acidity lebel ka 
dagat).



Pa
ge

 
18

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajee

Am. J. Environ Econ. 4(1) 13-20, 2025

3. Rising Sea temperatures/naga taas ang temperature sa tubig sa 
dagat

3.64 Agree

4. Migration of  fishes from one region to another/pag kadto sang 
mga isda sa iban nga lugar

3.87 Agree

5. Climate related extreme events and natural hazards, such as 
typhoons, sea level rise,/ grab inga kalamidad pareho sang bagyo 
kag pag taas ka tubig

4.51 Strongly Agree

6. High Population Density in Coastal Areas/damo nan ga tawo ukon 
pamilya ang ara sa higad dagat

4.57 Strongly Agree

7. Sudden change of  weather/gulpi nga ilis ka panahon 3.62 Agree
TOTAL 3.90 Agree

Cultural Challenges faced by the fisherfolks
The respondents’ cultural problems are displayed in Table 
12. The respondents agreed with the following statement 
on the cultural obstacles they encountered, with a mean 
score of  3.50. They were in agreement with the statement 
that the nature and knowledge of  the sea/ka adman kag 
kaalaman parti sa pangisda kag sa lawod (m=3.87), but 

they disagreed with the following statements: religious 
rituals, beliefs, and practices among the fishermen/mga 
retwal, pag pati parti sa pangisda (m=3.35), and the 
transition from traditional to modern fishing techniques/
pag balhin sa kinaangdan nga pangisda pa kadto sa 
modern ng pama agi sang pangisda (m=3.30).

Table 12: Cultural Challenges faced by the fisherfolks
Economic Challenges faced by Fishermen Mean Verbal Interpretation
1. Shift from traditional to modern fishing techniques/pag balhin sa 

kinaangdan nga pangisda pa kadto sa modern ng pama agi sang 
pangisda

3.30 Undecided

2. Religious Rituals, beliefs and practices among the fisherfolk/mga 
retwal, pag pati parti sa pangisda

3.35 Undecided

1. Nature and knowledge of  the Sea/ka adman kag kaalaman parti sa 
pangisda kag sa lawod

3.87 Agree

TOTAL 3.50 Agree

Table 13: Human Problems encountered by fisherfolks
Human Problems Mean Verbal Interpretation
1. Overexploitation/Sobra subra na nga pag gamit sang resources sa 

dagat
3.99 Agree

2. Human Pollution/polusyon dulot sang mga tawo 4.57 Strongly Agree
3. Habitat destruction/Pag ka guba sang balayan sang isda 4.50 Strongly Agree

4. Overfishing/sobra subra nga panguha sang isda 3.90 Agree

5. Seabed Mining/Pag mina sang duta sa dalom ka dagat 3.64 Agree

6. Coral destruction/pag ka guba sang mga corals 4.87 Strongly Agree

7. Offshore mining/Pag mina sang duta sa higad baybay 3.64 Agree

8. Destructive Fishing Method/Maka guluba nga pama-agi sang 
pangisda

4.55 Strongly Agree

9. Eco-tourism and Recreation/eco-turismo 4.50 Strongly Agree
TOTAL 4.24 Strongly Agree

Human Problems encountered by fisherfolks
The human issues that respondents faced with regard to 
the conservation and protection of  marine biodiversity 
are displayed in Table 14. The respondents highly agreed 
with the following statement on the human issues they 
faced with the conservation and protection of  marine 
biodiversity, with a mean score of  4.21 overall. hey were 
particularly in agreement about the following: destructive 
fishing methods (Maka guluba nga pama-agi sang 

pangisda; m=4.55); habitat destruction (m=4.50); coral 
destruction (m=4.87); human pollution (polusyon dulot 
sang mga tawo; m=4.57); and eco-tourism and recreation 
(m=4.50). They agreed on the following statement on 
overexploitation/sobra subra na nga pag gamit sang 
resources sa dagat (m=3.99), overfishing/sobra subra nga 
panguha sang isda (m=3.90),  seabed mining/pag mina 
sang duta sa dalom ka dagat (m=3.64), offshore mining/
pag mina sang duta sa higad baybay (m=3.64).



Pa
ge

 
19

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajee

Am. J. Environ Econ. 4(1) 13-20, 2025

Natures problem encountered by fisherfolks
The respondents’ natural issues with protecting and 
conserving marine biodiversity are displayed in Table 15. 
The respondents agreed with the following assertions 
regarding the natural issues they faced in the conservation 
and protection of  marine biodiversity, with a mean score 
of  4.11 overall. In particular, the statement about sea level 

rise/pag taas ka tubig sa dagat was strongly agreed with 
by the respondents (m=4.87). They concurred on the 
following statements on ocean acidification (pag taas ang 
acidity lebel ka dagat), non-native species invasion (pag 
buhi sang indi native nga mga species sang isda; m=3.60), 
and climate change (Pag iba sang klima; m=4.10).

Table 14: Natural problems encountered by the respondents
Natural Problems Mean Verbal Interpretation
1. Climate change/Pag iba sang klimaNon Native species invasion/pag 

buhi sang indi native nga mga species sang isda
4.10
3.60
3.90
4.87

Agree
Agree
Agree
Strongly Agree

2. Ocean Acidification/ pag taas sang acidity lebel ka dagat
3. Seas Level Rise/Pag taas sang tubig sa dagat
TOTAL 4.11 Agree

Problems on governance
The governance issues that the respondents faced are 
displayed in Table 16. The respondents strongly agreed 
with the following statement about governance as the 
issue they faced in the conservation and protection of  
marine biodiversity, with a mean score of  4.28. Specifically 
they strongly agreed on the following statement, illegal 
fishing/illegal nga pag pangisda (m=4.57), conflicting 
policies/konflicto sa polisiya (m=4.30), weak resource 
management and governance mechanisms/mahuyang nga 

pag manage sang gobyerno sa aton resources (m=4.87), 
significant lack of  ecological expertise in decision-making 
institutions and processes/kakulangan sang mga expert 
sa kalikasan sa pag ubra sang mga plosiya (m=4.35), lack 
of  conservation knowledge and expertise among key 
stakeholders/ka kulangan sa nahibaluan sa pagkonserba 
sa aton palibot ang mga mangiungisda (m=4.30), lack of  
sustainable livelihood for local stakeholders/ka kulangan 
sang diritso kag stable nga pangabuy-anan (m=4.67).

Table 15: Problems on governance encountered by the respondents
Governance Problems Mean Verbal Interpretation
1. Illegal Fishing/illegal nga pag pangisda 4.57 Strongly Agree
2. Conflicting Policies/konflicto sa polisiya 4.30 Strongly Agree
3. Weak resource management and governance mechanisms/

mahuyang nga pag manage sang gobyerno sa aton resources 
4.87 Strongly Agree

4. lack of  political will for conservation of  marine biodiversity/
kulang sa tampad nga pag pa tupad para sa consebasyon sang aton 
resources sa dagat

3.64 Agree

5. Insufficient enforcement of  environmental laws/.kulang sa pag 
implemetar sang mga layi para sa environment

3.60 Agree

6. Significant lack of  ecological expertise in decision-making 
institutions and processes/kakulangan sang mga expert sa kalikasan 
sap ag ubra sang mga plosiya

4.35 Strongly Agree

7. lack of  conservation knowledge and expertise among key 
stakeholders/ka kulangan sa nahibaluan sa pagkonserba sa aton 
palibot and mga mangiungisda

4.67 Strongly Agree

8. lack of  sustainable livelihood for local stakeholders/ka kulangan 
sang diritso kag stable nga pangabuy-anan

4.30 Strongly Agree

TOTAL 4.28 Strongly Agree

CONCLUSIONS
Based on the result of  the study most of  the respondents 
were male, married, age 31-40 years old, finished 
secondary education, had 1-3 members in the family, and 
a monthly income of  Php 5001-7000, borrowed their 
capital from lending individuals and lending institutions, 
with a wooden type of  houses, fishing in the deep open 
sea area with time duration of  6-9 hours a day using 

trawl as their fish gear, with a motorized boat having a 
fish catch of  30-41 kgs/day of  about 16 kinds of  fishes. 
The respondents agreed that they are facing economic, 
environmental, and cultural challenges. Degraded fishing 
habitats and conflicting usage among stakeholders are the 
results of  ongoing population increase and rising demand 
for fish and fish products. Only by adequately addressing 
environmental, socioeconomic, and legal/institutional 



Pa
ge

 
20

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajee

Am. J. Environ Econ. 4(1) 13-20, 2025

challenges can the advantages of  fishing be sustained. 
It is highly recommended that the national and local 
stakeholders prioritize marine and coastal resource 
management to ensure food is on the table every day. 
They should develop an ecosystem-based management 
program to address critical threats to marine resources, 
and government officials should strictly enforce the law 
on marine biodiversity conservation and protection. On 
the other end CapSU in coordination with LGU should 
conduct an awareness program on marine biodiversity 
conservation and protection as extension services to 
coastal barangays
.
REFERENCES 
Bianchi, C. N., & Morri, C. (2000). Marine biodiversity 

of  the Mediterranean Sea: situation, problems and 
prospects for future research. Marine pollution bulletin, 
40(5), 367-376.

Dangeubun, F. D., & Tetelepta, J. M. S. (2013). Problem 
of  fisher community and it’simplification on the 
management of  South-East Aru conservation region. 
AACL Bioflux, 6(6), 518-529.

Gelcich, S., Godoy, N., & Castilla, J. C. (2009). Artisanal 
fishers’ perceptions regarding coastal co-management 
policies in Chile and their potentials to scale-up 
marine biodiversity conservation. Ocean & Coastal 
Management, 52(8), 424-432.

Green, A. L., Fernandes, L., Almany, G., Abesamis, R., 
McLeod, E., Aliño, P. M., ... & Pressey, R. L. (2014). 
Designing marine reserves for fisheries management, 
biodiversity conservation, and climate change 
adaptation. Coastal Management, 42(2), 143-159.

Grip, K., & Blomqvist, S. (2020). Marine nature 
conservation and conflicts with fisheries. Ambio, 
49(7), 1328-1340.

Meduna, A. J., Ogunjinmi, A. A., & Onadeko, S. A. 
(2009). Biodiversity conservation problems and their 
implications on ecotourism in Kainji Lake National 
Park, Nigeria. Journal of  Sustainable Development in 
Africa, 10(4), 59-73.

Mohammad, R. H., Siddique, M. H., & Manzoor Rashid, 
A. Z. M. (2023). The dilemma of  prioritizing 
conservation over livelihoods: Assessing the impact 
of  fishing restriction to the fishermen of  the 
Sundarbans, Trees, Forests and People, 11.

Pita, C., Pierce, G. J., Theodossiou, I., & Macpherson, K. 
(2011). An overview of  commercial fishers’ attitudes 
towards marine protected areas. Hydrobiologia, 670, 
289-306.

Rice, J. C., & Garcia, S. M. (2011). Fisheries, food security, 
climate change, and biodiversity: characteristics of  
the sector and perspectives on emerging issues. ICES 
Journal of  Marine Science, 68(6), 1343-1353.


