Evaluation on the implementation of joint administrative order (jao) fishing ban and its impacts of enforcement

A comprehensive knowledge and the strict enforcement of the fishing ban are important attributes for increasing fish production. The study determined the knowledge of implementation of Joint Administrative Order (JAO) fishing ban, assessed the impacts of enforcement of the ban as to its current fishery operations and production, marketing and income and alternative livelihood activities for fishers’ subsistence. Key informants interview and fish catch survey were conducted. Focus Group Discussion was employed to the categorized 460 respondents as fishers (86. 95%), women’s group (3. 69 %)), buyers (1. 95%), retailers (1. 95%), processors (1. 08%), LGUs (1. 49%) and BFAR personnel (0. 43%). The topics discussed were resources/ resource use and reactions towards implementation of JAO. Frequency counting and percent were used to determine the respondents’ knowledge. Significant difference among the respondents income during the peak and lean months was employed using T test. The study revealed that the respondents possessed knowledge on the implementation of the ban. However, there was a significant difference of impacts among the respondents’ socioeconomic conditions. Ironically, fishers earned net incomes between Php 3000- Php 300 during peak months and net income below Php 300 during lean months. Fishers are more marginalized during peak months. The fish retail price is as lowas P 5. 00 per kilo. Traders/compradors influenced the market price. The invested fuel and efforts commensurate to a zero catch due to the dominance of predators. Commercial fishing gears were visible within the municipal waters. Fishers attained elementary education (79. 34%) which posed detrimental in the scarcity of opportunities. Aside from dried and brined fish activities, fishers engaged other alternative livelihoods for survival. Only those traders and processors were benefited. The sardines ban has boasted Dipolog City’s fame as the “Bottled Spanish Sardines Capital of the Philippines”.