The economics of municipal fisheries: the case of Lingayen Gulf

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study on the economics of municipal fisheries in Lingayen Gulf based on data collected during the period January 1987 to January 1988. Information on capital assets, costs and returns, and house- hold expenditures obtained indicate, among others, the following: (1) relatively heavy capitalization in municipal fishing activity in the area; (2) considerable underemployment among participants in municipal capture fisheries; (3) quite low net returns from fishing relative to family expenditures; and (4) the abject poverty of municipal fishermen and their fam- ilies. Suggested measures center around the need for alternative livelihood and better management (such as correcting open access situation and better law enforcement). It is emphasized, however, that such microlevel programs must be part of holistic macrolevel approaches that address socioeconomic inequity and foster genuine industrialization (to draw manpower away from the natural resources and agriculture sector).