Preliminary results of a study of the municipal fisheries in Lingayen Gulf

Abstract

This paper presents a summary of preliminary results obtained during the course of the municipal fisheries and blast fishing studies in Lingayen Gulf covering the period May 1987 to April 1988. Information on gear design and specifica- tions and catch rates of the various municipal gears (including blast fishing) are presented. Results of initial studies on lethal ranges of explosives used in blast fishing are also given. A preliminary attempt to estimate the magnitude of landings from municipal and blast fishing activities gives an aggregate of about 10,500 t/year. This indicates relatively high annual extraction rates of 10.1 t/km2 of municipal fishing ground, and a yield-to-biomass ratio of 3.97. Recom- mendations center around the need for reduction in fishing effort and improved management of the fisheries.