Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of the “No Fish Pen / Fish Cages Policy” As Perceived by Fishermen Along Lingayen- Binmaley- Dagupan City River System, Philippines

Abstract

The program My River: I love, I Enrich of the provincial government of Pangasinan, Philippines is dedicated to the conservation of our river system, improvement of our environment, maintenance of ecological balance and as a risk mitigating measures against climate changes. Corollary to this program is the implementation the policy of no fish pen/ fish cages along the river system. This study was an evaluation on the perception of the fishermen who were affected socially, economically and their perception on the new policy’s effects to the environment, as well as the problems they faced. All respondents agreed that the policy of the no fish cages/fish pen along the river system had brought environmental impact. The hazardous substances in the water that posing health risk was minimized, brought by the new policy. Because the carrying capacity of the water had improved, this result to increase in the size of fish catch and thus commanding higher price. The fishing habitat is improved increasing the population of endemic fishes The level of water turbidity had improved, the destruction of laying ground for fish is minimized, pathogenic organisms were reduced. In terms of water quality of the river system such as salinity, DO, pH, turbidity, PO4 and NO3 content was perceived by the respondents to be in suitable range. The removal of the fish cages/fish pen also caused the water to be free from obstructions making navigation on the river easier, navigational hazards and flash flood were reduced which lead to the improvement of water flow, reduction of water pollution, of siltation, periodic fish kill and algal bloom. The main problem encountered by the respondents in terms of their fishing operations was the overflowing of water due to typhoon and the insufficient technical support from the government. Irregular supply and exorbitant price of feeds, harsh weather conditions, the occurrence of periodic fish kill due to water pollution caused by industrial and sanitary waste and construction of shoreline protection measures were also their problems. Overcrowding of fish cages was cited as reason for difficult of navigation due to narrowing of water ways. The perception of the respondents in terms of their socio-economic and environmental impact on the implementation of the no fish pen/fish cages along the river system policy has significant differences on their profile ‘type of fisherman’ profile.