Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 20 ISSUE 4
Written by Mary Cris F. PLEÑOS, Moises Neil V. SERIÑO, Fe M. GABUNADA, Nilda T. AMESTOSO

The study aimed to examine the catch productivity of selected fishers in Leyte, both from fishing grounds nearby Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and those far from MPAs. Descriptive analysis, nonparametric statistics, and regression analysis were the analytical tools used. Using data from 266 respondents, results showed that the average time spent per fishing day was 6.43 hours while the total travel time from the shoreline to fishing area per fishing trip was 1.41 hours. The average daily fish catch was 2.86 kg with a daily gross economic yield of PHP 476 (USD 9.46). Non-MPA fishers statistically took longer fishing days than MPA fishers. Controlling for several socio-economic variables and fishing characteristics, results of multiple regression analysis showed that fishing grounds near MPA sites have higher catch than fishing sites far from MPAs. Three regression models displayed a consistent positive influence of MPAs on fish catch rates. This outcome supports the fish spill over effect which influence high fish yield in adjacent fishing grounds to MPA sites. The results suggest for the establishment of more properly managed MPA sites to maintain healthy fish stocks and also increase catch among fishers.

[Read full article] [Citation]

SPUPOPUPNO1