Perception of Fishers and Workers on the Impact of Closed Fishing Season Policy for Sardines in theZamboanga Peninsula

The main objective of this study was to assess the attitude of the communities on the implementation of the closed fishing season policy  in Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Norte.Overall more workers than fishers are... [ view full abstract ]

The main objective of this study was to assess the attitude of the communities on the implementation of the closed fishing season policy  in Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Norte.

Overall more workers than fishers are knowledgeable about the policy. This is primarily due to the fact that workers more than fishers are affected by the closed fishing season policy.  Workers, except for those providing maintenance to the sardine factories, stopped working from December until February each year since 2011 when the policy was enforced while fishers can continue to catch fish throughout the year.

The study found that majority of fishers and workers knew the closed fishing season policy.  However, less than half and about two-thirds of the factory workers understood the details regarding the months covered, prohibited gears, and the penalty for the violations.

Majority of the fishers and workers believed that the closed fishing season policy is the best way to increase the fish stock.  However, there is a need to provide employment opportunities during the closed season.  There were reports that livelihood assistance can be availed, however, the fishers and workers were unable to prepare project proposals which are required for the livelihood assistance.