Sociocultural dynamics of blast fishing and sodium cyanide fishing in two fishing villages in the Lingayen Gulf area

Abstract

The use of explosives and poisons in fishing is illegal and punishable with stiff fines and prison terms. Nevertheless, the use persists in a number of coastal villages in the Lingayen Gulf area. This paper gives the results of ethnographic studies in two fishing villages in the gulf area based on data/interviews covering the period May 1987 to April 1988. It describes: (1) how blast fishing and sodium cyanide fishing are practised in the villages; (2) the factors which affect their continued use; (3) the level of perception of village residents regarding these illegal practices; and (4) the need for edu- cation campaigns to increase awareness of the destructive effects of these illegal practices.