Fishing gears and their common catch in two coastal areas of Palawan, Philippines: Implications to fisheries management

Abstract

Fishing gears are important tools in catching aquatic species that is consumed by local communities. The design and methods employed describe the characteristics of species caught by these gears. This study was conducted to document the fishing gears and their common catch in SIMBANA (Simpocan, Bagong Bayan, Napsan), Puerto Princesa City, and Rasa Island, Narra, Palawan, Philippines. Fishing gears used were photo-documented, and their common catches were identified using one-on-one interviews with fishermen. Sixteen fishing gears were documented, with six “nets”, four “lines”, four “barriers and traps”, and two “hand instruments”. Six gears were further classified as active gears, while 10 were Passive gears. More gears operate in Rasa Island than in SIMBANA. Most of the species caught are fish, pelagic species and reef-associated. Information gathered can be used for the characterization of the multi-gear fisheries which are important in making fisheries policies and management decisions for the mentioned coastal areas.