For a comprehensive bibliography on Philippine fishes and fisheries
please see this link:
http://fisheriesbibliography.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Guimaras Strait: Focusing on Fish Production
By Melchor F. Cichon
September 13, 2006
The oil spill in Guimaras Province has been the talk of the town since the oil spill tragedy on August 11, 2006.
And people all over the world have been following this.
So what is the big deal about this incidence particularly to Filipinos?
As of September 9, 2006, according to the Ligtas Guimaras group, of the four municipalities of Guimaras, only the municipality of Buenavista has not been affected by the oil spill. Of the 40 barangays of Guimaras, 26 have been affected that also include 4,533 families and 22,665 persons.
Let us also focus on the fish production of Guimaras Strait.
Guimaras Strait is located between the provinces of Guimaras and Negros Occidental, and one of the most productive fishing grounds in the Philippines.
How this oil spill will affect the fish production of this fishing ground, we cannot at the moment say anything, except to pray that the damage will not be tremendous. For sure, some of the foods of fishes found in this fishing grounds like planktons will be killed by the toxin found in oil slick. With less food would mean less fishes that will strive in the area.
If we look at the productions of Guimaras Strait since 1953 (that is the oldest record this writer could get) up to 2000, we can say that Guimaras strait has been producing tons of fishes. The online news report in the BAR Chronicle vol. 5, no. 4, April 1-30, 2004) states that the average total annual fish production of Guimaras is 50, 000 metric tons.
Here is the part of that news item:
"The study (three-year project entitled, Ocean Color for Sustainable Fisheries (OCSF) funded by the Bureau of Agricultural Research of the Department of Agriculture (DA-BAR ) ) also identified the most productive fishing grounds that have an average of annual fisheries production of 50,000 metric tons and above. These are the: Moro Gulf, East Sulu Sea, Visayan Sea, South Sulu Sea, Visayan Sea, Bohol Sea, and Guimaras Strait. These areas contribute to one-half of the total annual fish production in the country. " (The title of the study supplied)
For a clearer view of the annual fish production of Guimaras Strait from 1953 to 2000, I patiently copied the commercial annual fish production of Guimaras Strait from the Philippine Fisheries Statistics and the Philippine Fisheries Profile since 1953 to 2000. This is what I got:
Year……Production (in kg)
1953…4,336,488
1954…4,781,920
1955…6,800,961
1956…6,800,961
1957…Not available
1958…7,010,646
1959…5,778,960
1960…5,785,110
1961…5,691,780
1962…4,896,300
1963…5,686,020
1964…10,853,000
1965…12,075,400
1966…9,853,720
1967…13,055,560
1968…10,856,320
1969…1,012,040
1970…2,248,960
1971…3,236,120
1972…4,513,480
1973…3,843,570
1974…2,743,130
1975…6,729,740
1976…5,607,290
1977…8,201,000
1978…10,215,000
1979…9,943,000
1980…6,137,000
1981…5,618,000
1982…12,514,000
1983…5,441,000
1984…5,586,000
1985…Not available
1986…6,969,000
1987…6,588,000
1988…uses the 1987 data
1989…12,547,000 (estimate)
1990…13,796,000
1991…3,782,000
1992…15,144,000
1993…29,687,00
1994…30,209,000
1995…24,163,000
1996-2000…use the 1995 data
What are the fishes found in Guimaras Strait?
Based on the Fisheries Statistics issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, these are some of the commercial fishes and other aquatic resources in this fishing ground:
Barracuda,Cavalla,Clams,Cockles,Crevalle,Dolphin fish,Flounders, Flying fish,Fusilies,Glassfish, Goatfish,Goby,
Grouper,Jacks,Jelly fish, Lizard fish, Marine turtle,Milkffish,Mojarra, Moonfish, Moray, Mullets, Mussels, Scallops, Oysters, Perchlet, Scads, Sea bass, Sea catfish, Sea cucumber, Sea perches, Sea urchins, Seaweeds, Shads,Sickle fish, Siganids, Sillago, Slipmouth, Snappers, Spade fish, Sponges, Surgeon fish, Threadfin, Wrasses, and other aquatic plants.
Source:
Philippine Fisheries Statistics, and Philippine Fisheries Profile, from 1953 to 2000.
http://www.bar.gov.ph/barchronicle/2004/apr04_1-30_gisthefuture.asp
September 13, 2006
The oil spill in Guimaras Province has been the talk of the town since the oil spill tragedy on August 11, 2006.
And people all over the world have been following this.
So what is the big deal about this incidence particularly to Filipinos?
As of September 9, 2006, according to the Ligtas Guimaras group, of the four municipalities of Guimaras, only the municipality of Buenavista has not been affected by the oil spill. Of the 40 barangays of Guimaras, 26 have been affected that also include 4,533 families and 22,665 persons.
Let us also focus on the fish production of Guimaras Strait.
Guimaras Strait is located between the provinces of Guimaras and Negros Occidental, and one of the most productive fishing grounds in the Philippines.
How this oil spill will affect the fish production of this fishing ground, we cannot at the moment say anything, except to pray that the damage will not be tremendous. For sure, some of the foods of fishes found in this fishing grounds like planktons will be killed by the toxin found in oil slick. With less food would mean less fishes that will strive in the area.
If we look at the productions of Guimaras Strait since 1953 (that is the oldest record this writer could get) up to 2000, we can say that Guimaras strait has been producing tons of fishes. The online news report in the BAR Chronicle vol. 5, no. 4, April 1-30, 2004) states that the average total annual fish production of Guimaras is 50, 000 metric tons.
Here is the part of that news item:
"The study (three-year project entitled, Ocean Color for Sustainable Fisheries (OCSF) funded by the Bureau of Agricultural Research of the Department of Agriculture (DA-BAR ) ) also identified the most productive fishing grounds that have an average of annual fisheries production of 50,000 metric tons and above. These are the: Moro Gulf, East Sulu Sea, Visayan Sea, South Sulu Sea, Visayan Sea, Bohol Sea, and Guimaras Strait. These areas contribute to one-half of the total annual fish production in the country. " (The title of the study supplied)
For a clearer view of the annual fish production of Guimaras Strait from 1953 to 2000, I patiently copied the commercial annual fish production of Guimaras Strait from the Philippine Fisheries Statistics and the Philippine Fisheries Profile since 1953 to 2000. This is what I got:
Year……Production (in kg)
1953…4,336,488
1954…4,781,920
1955…6,800,961
1956…6,800,961
1957…Not available
1958…7,010,646
1959…5,778,960
1960…5,785,110
1961…5,691,780
1962…4,896,300
1963…5,686,020
1964…10,853,000
1965…12,075,400
1966…9,853,720
1967…13,055,560
1968…10,856,320
1969…1,012,040
1970…2,248,960
1971…3,236,120
1972…4,513,480
1973…3,843,570
1974…2,743,130
1975…6,729,740
1976…5,607,290
1977…8,201,000
1978…10,215,000
1979…9,943,000
1980…6,137,000
1981…5,618,000
1982…12,514,000
1983…5,441,000
1984…5,586,000
1985…Not available
1986…6,969,000
1987…6,588,000
1988…uses the 1987 data
1989…12,547,000 (estimate)
1990…13,796,000
1991…3,782,000
1992…15,144,000
1993…29,687,00
1994…30,209,000
1995…24,163,000
1996-2000…use the 1995 data
What are the fishes found in Guimaras Strait?
Based on the Fisheries Statistics issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, these are some of the commercial fishes and other aquatic resources in this fishing ground:
Barracuda,Cavalla,Clams,Cockles,Crevalle,Dolphin fish,Flounders, Flying fish,Fusilies,Glassfish, Goatfish,Goby,
Grouper,Jacks,Jelly fish, Lizard fish, Marine turtle,Milkffish,Mojarra, Moonfish, Moray, Mullets, Mussels, Scallops, Oysters, Perchlet, Scads, Sea bass, Sea catfish, Sea cucumber, Sea perches, Sea urchins, Seaweeds, Shads,Sickle fish, Siganids, Sillago, Slipmouth, Snappers, Spade fish, Sponges, Surgeon fish, Threadfin, Wrasses, and other aquatic plants.
Source:
Philippine Fisheries Statistics, and Philippine Fisheries Profile, from 1953 to 2000.
http://www.bar.gov.ph/barchronicle/2004/apr04_1-30_gisthefuture.asp
Squid Ink
by
Melchor F. Cichon
September 19, 2006
If you prepare squids for your food, do not squeeze out and wash away their ink because it contains an anti-cancer substance.
This is the conclusion drawn by a group of Japanese scientists on the medicinal value of squid ink.
They discovered that squid ink contains mucopolysaccharide which is "involved in the healing of scars and formation of cartilage."
For more information, please read the excerpt below.
"A research group led by Hajime Matsue at the Aomori Prefecture Industrial Technology Center first announced in 1990 that squid ink contains substances with tumour inhibiting activity. The group has continued to pursue influential research since then. According to report by Matsue et al., while they were initially researching a mucopolysaccharide known as chondroitin sulphate (contained abundanly in cartilage and elsewhere), they noticed that mucopolysaccharides are also present in squid ink. Moreover, they showed that these were previously undiscovered types of mucopolysaccharide. Mucopolysaccharides, major components of cartilage, skin, and others, normally bond with protein to created a complex called proteoglycan, and are involved in the healing of scars and formation of cartilage.
"On measuring the tumour inhibition activity of this newly discovered mucopolysaccharide-peptide complex in squid ink, it was clearly found to have the effect of curing cancer. The experiment... was conducted as follows. One million cancer cells were injected into the abdominal cavity of a number of mice. Then the mucopolysaccharide-peptide complex from squid ink was injected tinto the abdominal cavity at the rate of 0.2mg per mouse two days later, four days later, and six days later. The progress of recovery from the cancer was then observed. zmice that had received no treatment at all died 2-3 weeks. But those treated with the mucopolysaccharide-peptide complex showed a 65% rate of recovery. Moreover, it was also proved that this mucopolysaccharide-peptide complex had hardly any direct toxicity towards the tunour cells, but that it activated the macrophage of the mice. Although it would be too hasty to draw the conclusion that eating squid ink cures cancer, it is beyond doubt that squid ink contains substances with outstanding bioactivity. Further research is therefore expected to develop in future."
Here is another study on squid ink that confirms this early study of Hajime Matsue.
"The anti-tumor activity of a new type of peptidoglycan isolated from squid ink was shown to have a cure rate of 64% for Meth A tumor from BALB/c mice. The ink delipidated in acetone, which contained the peptidoglycan at 0.1% (w/w), was administered to tumor-transplanted mice so as to examine the anti-tumor activity. One-fifth of the tumor-bearing mise was cured with 3 injections (1 mg/head) of the acetone delipidated squid ink or a prolongation of survival was observed in the treated animals, Heat treatment at 100 degrees C for 10 min did not affect the anti-tumor activity of the delipidated ink, its potentiality being preserved. The acetone-extractable fraction of the ink also brought about a similar cure rate for Meth A tumor. The delipidated ink enhanced the phagocytic activity of macrophages but no direct cytotoxicity was observed for the Meth A tumor cells. Hence it may be said that the anti-tumor activity of the delipidated ink was mainly due to the augmented cellular immunity in vivo." (Sasaki J. et al.)
If this is true, then many Filipinos would benefit from this discovery since the Philippines is producing a lot of squid. And squid is one commodity that has been a favorite among Filipinos.
Below is the Philippine squid production through the years, both from commercial and marine municipal waters.
The productions of squids from the municipal fishing areas from 1950 to 1976 are not available.
This writer failed to get the production of squid from 2002 and above.
Commercial Productions
(from 1950 to 1977 in kilograms; the rest in Metric tons)
1950---11,574
1951---19,092
1952---16,143
1953---22,758
1954---35,760
1955---139,896
1956---138,195
1957---153,654
1958---203,313
1959---355,910
1960---281,420
1961---253,740
1962---1,363,220
1963---2,913,330
1964---3,629,400
1965---4,964,320
1966---5,604,080
1967---4,782,360
1968---9,221,840
1969---6,365,560
1970---5,862,400
1971---5,713,480
1972---7,451,400
1973---7,174,460
1974---9,264,660
1975---13,606,800
1976---10,560,150
1977---12,228,000
1978---16,051
1979---11,830
1980---13,776
1981---10.167
1982---9,789
1983---11,023
1984---10,309
1985---8,496
1986---10,254
1987---11,442
1988---28,962 (Total production)
1989---26, 639 (Total production)
1990---8,831
1991---26,672 (Total production)
1992---39,402 (Total production)
1993---10,169
1994---12,957
1995---13,106
1996---12,840
1997---12,948
1998---13,277
1999---14,584
2000---14,522
2001---14,177
Marine Municipal Production in MT
1977---12,784
1978---10,016
1979--13,665
1980---13,235
1981---17,813
1982---11,200
1983---19,718
1984---10,005
1985---16,127
1986---16,378
1987---14,989
1988--- Pls. see the Commercial production
1989--- do
1990--- 17,743
1991--- Pls. see the Commercial production
1992--- Pls. see the Commercial production
1993---45,620
1994--- 35,991
1995--- 43,309
1996--- 39,618
1997---41,207
1998---35,401
1999---32,531
2000---32,256
2001---33,677
Source:
Masayo Okuzumi and Tateo Fujii, eds. Nutritional and functional Properties of Squid and Cuttlefish. Japan, National Cooperative Association of Squid Processors. 2000, p. 140-141.
Sasaki J. Ishita K. Takaya Y. Uchisawa H. Matsue H. ANTI-TUMOR ACTIVITY OF SQUID INK. Journal of Nutritional Science & Vitaminology. 43(4):455-461, 1997 Aug.Abstract
Philippine Fisheries Statistics
Philippine Fisheries Profile
Philipine Natural Resources Statistics, vol. IV: Fisheries. Manila: Natural Resources Management Center. Ministry of Natural Resources. 99p
Melchor F. Cichon
September 19, 2006
If you prepare squids for your food, do not squeeze out and wash away their ink because it contains an anti-cancer substance.
This is the conclusion drawn by a group of Japanese scientists on the medicinal value of squid ink.
They discovered that squid ink contains mucopolysaccharide which is "involved in the healing of scars and formation of cartilage."
For more information, please read the excerpt below.
"A research group led by Hajime Matsue at the Aomori Prefecture Industrial Technology Center first announced in 1990 that squid ink contains substances with tumour inhibiting activity. The group has continued to pursue influential research since then. According to report by Matsue et al., while they were initially researching a mucopolysaccharide known as chondroitin sulphate (contained abundanly in cartilage and elsewhere), they noticed that mucopolysaccharides are also present in squid ink. Moreover, they showed that these were previously undiscovered types of mucopolysaccharide. Mucopolysaccharides, major components of cartilage, skin, and others, normally bond with protein to created a complex called proteoglycan, and are involved in the healing of scars and formation of cartilage.
"On measuring the tumour inhibition activity of this newly discovered mucopolysaccharide-peptide complex in squid ink, it was clearly found to have the effect of curing cancer. The experiment... was conducted as follows. One million cancer cells were injected into the abdominal cavity of a number of mice. Then the mucopolysaccharide-peptide complex from squid ink was injected tinto the abdominal cavity at the rate of 0.2mg per mouse two days later, four days later, and six days later. The progress of recovery from the cancer was then observed. zmice that had received no treatment at all died 2-3 weeks. But those treated with the mucopolysaccharide-peptide complex showed a 65% rate of recovery. Moreover, it was also proved that this mucopolysaccharide-peptide complex had hardly any direct toxicity towards the tunour cells, but that it activated the macrophage of the mice. Although it would be too hasty to draw the conclusion that eating squid ink cures cancer, it is beyond doubt that squid ink contains substances with outstanding bioactivity. Further research is therefore expected to develop in future."
Here is another study on squid ink that confirms this early study of Hajime Matsue.
"The anti-tumor activity of a new type of peptidoglycan isolated from squid ink was shown to have a cure rate of 64% for Meth A tumor from BALB/c mice. The ink delipidated in acetone, which contained the peptidoglycan at 0.1% (w/w), was administered to tumor-transplanted mice so as to examine the anti-tumor activity. One-fifth of the tumor-bearing mise was cured with 3 injections (1 mg/head) of the acetone delipidated squid ink or a prolongation of survival was observed in the treated animals, Heat treatment at 100 degrees C for 10 min did not affect the anti-tumor activity of the delipidated ink, its potentiality being preserved. The acetone-extractable fraction of the ink also brought about a similar cure rate for Meth A tumor. The delipidated ink enhanced the phagocytic activity of macrophages but no direct cytotoxicity was observed for the Meth A tumor cells. Hence it may be said that the anti-tumor activity of the delipidated ink was mainly due to the augmented cellular immunity in vivo." (Sasaki J. et al.)
If this is true, then many Filipinos would benefit from this discovery since the Philippines is producing a lot of squid. And squid is one commodity that has been a favorite among Filipinos.
Below is the Philippine squid production through the years, both from commercial and marine municipal waters.
The productions of squids from the municipal fishing areas from 1950 to 1976 are not available.
This writer failed to get the production of squid from 2002 and above.
Commercial Productions
(from 1950 to 1977 in kilograms; the rest in Metric tons)
1950---11,574
1951---19,092
1952---16,143
1953---22,758
1954---35,760
1955---139,896
1956---138,195
1957---153,654
1958---203,313
1959---355,910
1960---281,420
1961---253,740
1962---1,363,220
1963---2,913,330
1964---3,629,400
1965---4,964,320
1966---5,604,080
1967---4,782,360
1968---9,221,840
1969---6,365,560
1970---5,862,400
1971---5,713,480
1972---7,451,400
1973---7,174,460
1974---9,264,660
1975---13,606,800
1976---10,560,150
1977---12,228,000
1978---16,051
1979---11,830
1980---13,776
1981---10.167
1982---9,789
1983---11,023
1984---10,309
1985---8,496
1986---10,254
1987---11,442
1988---28,962 (Total production)
1989---26, 639 (Total production)
1990---8,831
1991---26,672 (Total production)
1992---39,402 (Total production)
1993---10,169
1994---12,957
1995---13,106
1996---12,840
1997---12,948
1998---13,277
1999---14,584
2000---14,522
2001---14,177
Marine Municipal Production in MT
1977---12,784
1978---10,016
1979--13,665
1980---13,235
1981---17,813
1982---11,200
1983---19,718
1984---10,005
1985---16,127
1986---16,378
1987---14,989
1988--- Pls. see the Commercial production
1989--- do
1990--- 17,743
1991--- Pls. see the Commercial production
1992--- Pls. see the Commercial production
1993---45,620
1994--- 35,991
1995--- 43,309
1996--- 39,618
1997---41,207
1998---35,401
1999---32,531
2000---32,256
2001---33,677
Source:
Masayo Okuzumi and Tateo Fujii, eds. Nutritional and functional Properties of Squid and Cuttlefish. Japan, National Cooperative Association of Squid Processors. 2000, p. 140-141.
Sasaki J. Ishita K. Takaya Y. Uchisawa H. Matsue H. ANTI-TUMOR ACTIVITY OF SQUID INK. Journal of Nutritional Science & Vitaminology. 43(4):455-461, 1997 Aug.Abstract
Philippine Fisheries Statistics
Philippine Fisheries Profile
Philipine Natural Resources Statistics, vol. IV: Fisheries. Manila: Natural Resources Management Center. Ministry of Natural Resources. 99p
Sea Cucumber, The Gensing of the Sea
By
Melchor F. Cichon
May 12, 2005
The Philippines is so lucky that it has a lot of natural resources, especially marine resources.
One of these resources is the sea cucumber.
What is a sea cucumber? Definitely, it is not a plant.
It is a sea-bottom dwelling marine invertebrate that has been a favorite dish among the Chinese and the Japanese because of its nutritional and medicinal value.
Among the Filipinos, sea cucumber is just another underutilized resource.
But it can be a source of income, especially if one is staying near the shore.
Based on statistics, the sea cucumbers that are being produced in the Philippines come from different parts of the country.
As of 1984 (that is the latest figure that this writer could get), the top ten sea cucumber producing provinces are as follows:
Province Quantity (in kilograms)
Palawan..... 436,630
Lanao del Norte..... 41,426
Albay..... 19,381
Tawi-Tawi .....14,085
Zamboanga del Sur..... 10,750
Negros Occidental..... 8,000
Aklan .....7,960
Camarines Norte..... 6,850
Marinduque..... 6,292
Zamboanga del Norte..... 3,600
On the national scale, the country is not really producing so much sea cucumber. (see the statistics below)
Studies have shown that sea cucumbers are medicinal.
According to Dr. Subhuti Dharmananda, Director , Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon:, sea cucumber “serves as a rich source of mucopolysaccharides, mainly chondroitin sulfate, which is well-known for its ability to reduce arthritis pain, especially that of osteoarthritis. As little as 3 grams per day of the dried sea cucumber has been helpful in significantly reducing arthralgia. Chondroitin's action is similar to that of glucosamine sulfate, the main building block of chondroitin.”
He further claims that sea cucumber has anticancer properties. He said that the saponins in sea cucumber have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
“In addition,” he said, “the sea cucumber oil contains two anti-inflammatory fractions. One fraction has fatty acids characteristic of those found in fish; they can be used as a substitute for fish oil in reducing inflammatory byproducts of fat metabolism, and to nourish the brain and heart. The main compounds of interest in fish oil are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid also found in sea cucumber, and DHA (docosahaenoic acid), unique to fish:”
But it is advisable to ask your doctor in case you will take sea cucumber’s capsules as a medicine.
Because of its nutritional and medicinal reasons, the demand for sea cucumber can be great.
But can the Philippines supply this demand?
Based on available statistics, the Philippines does not produce so much sea cucumber, although there is a great potential that our country can produce more.
One such area is Maqueda Bay, Samar.
And one of the most sought after species of sea cucumber from this area is Holothuria scabra
Because of its dollar earning potential, our fisheries scientists should culture this fishery resource. At the same time, the law enforcers should regulate the harvesting of this animal to further prevent its overexploitation.
Below is the production statistics of sea cucumber in the Philippines since 1949-1997.
It should be noted that the production of sea cucumber in the Philippines is fluctuating.
From 1949 up to 1984, sea cucumber production in the country did not reach a million kilogram mark.
But effective 1985, that figure was reached, only to go down from 3,258,000 kilograms in 1985 to 1,191,000 kilograms in 1997.
But could have been the reason for this downfall?
Since, there is no study to this effect, we can only surmise.
There must have been overexploitation of sea cucumber in the country and the government has no specific program to rehabilitate this species.
Sea Cucumber Production in the Philippines, 1957-1997
Compiled by Melchor F. Cichon
Year Production (in Kg) Value (in PhP)
1949 .....3211..... 642
1950..... 2613..... 523
1951..... 4446..... 889
1952..... 40992.... 818
1953..... 3460..... 808
1954..... 63070... 6627
1955..... 9366..... 2396
1956.... .3006..... 704
1957..... 7933..... 3684
1958..... 5355.... 1820
1959.....1953..... 957
1960.... 10140... 3336
1961.... 17302... 5062
1962.... 10668... 4001
1963.... 7235.... 1997
1964.... 9714... 10565
1965... 6145.... 4596
1966... 402..... 302
1967... 8217... 35943
1968...5247... 3855
1969.. 3248 ...2347
1970.. 5450 ...1254
1971 ..75618.. 18410
1972.. 5600... 15125
1973.. 36188.. 23635
1974.. 110... 390
1975 ..44763.. 135163
1976.. 79182.. 194112
1977.. 34431.. 110288
1978.. 226622 ..479338
1979.. 40646 ..192336
1980 ..32944.. 96366
1981 ..32328 ..236548
1982.. 90725 ..366627
1983.. 255917 ..2115810
1984.. 562379 ..4356753
1985.. 3258000 ..No record
1986.. 3367000.. No record
1987.. 3612000.. 1580*
1988.. 3193000.. 1501
1989.. 3534000.. 1662
1990... 4023000.. 2080
1991... 3535000 ..1909
1992... 3679000 ..2181
1993... 3109000 ..No record
1994... 1497000.. No record
1995... 2062000.. 602
1996... 2123000.. 619
1997... 1191000.. 659
* Starting here in US$1000
Melchor F. Cichon
May 12, 2005
The Philippines is so lucky that it has a lot of natural resources, especially marine resources.
One of these resources is the sea cucumber.
What is a sea cucumber? Definitely, it is not a plant.
It is a sea-bottom dwelling marine invertebrate that has been a favorite dish among the Chinese and the Japanese because of its nutritional and medicinal value.
Among the Filipinos, sea cucumber is just another underutilized resource.
But it can be a source of income, especially if one is staying near the shore.
Based on statistics, the sea cucumbers that are being produced in the Philippines come from different parts of the country.
As of 1984 (that is the latest figure that this writer could get), the top ten sea cucumber producing provinces are as follows:
Province Quantity (in kilograms)
Palawan..... 436,630
Lanao del Norte..... 41,426
Albay..... 19,381
Tawi-Tawi .....14,085
Zamboanga del Sur..... 10,750
Negros Occidental..... 8,000
Aklan .....7,960
Camarines Norte..... 6,850
Marinduque..... 6,292
Zamboanga del Norte..... 3,600
On the national scale, the country is not really producing so much sea cucumber. (see the statistics below)
Studies have shown that sea cucumbers are medicinal.
According to Dr. Subhuti Dharmananda, Director , Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon:, sea cucumber “serves as a rich source of mucopolysaccharides, mainly chondroitin sulfate, which is well-known for its ability to reduce arthritis pain, especially that of osteoarthritis. As little as 3 grams per day of the dried sea cucumber has been helpful in significantly reducing arthralgia. Chondroitin's action is similar to that of glucosamine sulfate, the main building block of chondroitin.”
He further claims that sea cucumber has anticancer properties. He said that the saponins in sea cucumber have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
“In addition,” he said, “the sea cucumber oil contains two anti-inflammatory fractions. One fraction has fatty acids characteristic of those found in fish; they can be used as a substitute for fish oil in reducing inflammatory byproducts of fat metabolism, and to nourish the brain and heart. The main compounds of interest in fish oil are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid also found in sea cucumber, and DHA (docosahaenoic acid), unique to fish:”
But it is advisable to ask your doctor in case you will take sea cucumber’s capsules as a medicine.
Because of its nutritional and medicinal reasons, the demand for sea cucumber can be great.
But can the Philippines supply this demand?
Based on available statistics, the Philippines does not produce so much sea cucumber, although there is a great potential that our country can produce more.
One such area is Maqueda Bay, Samar.
And one of the most sought after species of sea cucumber from this area is Holothuria scabra
Because of its dollar earning potential, our fisheries scientists should culture this fishery resource. At the same time, the law enforcers should regulate the harvesting of this animal to further prevent its overexploitation.
Below is the production statistics of sea cucumber in the Philippines since 1949-1997.
It should be noted that the production of sea cucumber in the Philippines is fluctuating.
From 1949 up to 1984, sea cucumber production in the country did not reach a million kilogram mark.
But effective 1985, that figure was reached, only to go down from 3,258,000 kilograms in 1985 to 1,191,000 kilograms in 1997.
But could have been the reason for this downfall?
Since, there is no study to this effect, we can only surmise.
There must have been overexploitation of sea cucumber in the country and the government has no specific program to rehabilitate this species.
Sea Cucumber Production in the Philippines, 1957-1997
Compiled by Melchor F. Cichon
Year Production (in Kg) Value (in PhP)
1949 .....3211..... 642
1950..... 2613..... 523
1951..... 4446..... 889
1952..... 40992.... 818
1953..... 3460..... 808
1954..... 63070... 6627
1955..... 9366..... 2396
1956.... .3006..... 704
1957..... 7933..... 3684
1958..... 5355.... 1820
1959.....1953..... 957
1960.... 10140... 3336
1961.... 17302... 5062
1962.... 10668... 4001
1963.... 7235.... 1997
1964.... 9714... 10565
1965... 6145.... 4596
1966... 402..... 302
1967... 8217... 35943
1968...5247... 3855
1969.. 3248 ...2347
1970.. 5450 ...1254
1971 ..75618.. 18410
1972.. 5600... 15125
1973.. 36188.. 23635
1974.. 110... 390
1975 ..44763.. 135163
1976.. 79182.. 194112
1977.. 34431.. 110288
1978.. 226622 ..479338
1979.. 40646 ..192336
1980 ..32944.. 96366
1981 ..32328 ..236548
1982.. 90725 ..366627
1983.. 255917 ..2115810
1984.. 562379 ..4356753
1985.. 3258000 ..No record
1986.. 3367000.. No record
1987.. 3612000.. 1580*
1988.. 3193000.. 1501
1989.. 3534000.. 1662
1990... 4023000.. 2080
1991... 3535000 ..1909
1992... 3679000 ..2181
1993... 3109000 ..No record
1994... 1497000.. No record
1995... 2062000.. 602
1996... 2123000.. 619
1997... 1191000.. 659
* Starting here in US$1000
Visayan Sea, the Haven for Fishes
Visayan Sea, the Haven for Fishes
Melchor F. Cichon
formerly posted in http://www.goodnewsphilippines.com
May 1, 2005
The Visayan Sea is one of the most productive fishing grounds in the Philippines.
It is enclosed by the island-provinces of Cebu, Masbate, Iloilo and Negros Occidental and it is located between 11 and 12 degrees North latitude and 123 and 124 degrees East longitude. It is approximately 10,000 square kilometers wide.
A large amount of fishes and other fishery products are caught in this area like: barracudas, big-eyed scad, bogies, dolphin fishes, eels, flatfishes, frigate tuna, gizzard shads (kabasi), goatfishes, groupers, lizard fishes, marlin, milkfish, moonfish, moray, rays, round herring, roundscad, sailfish, sea bass, sea catfishes, shark, siganids, skipjack, slipmouths, snapper (maya-maya), Spanish mackerels, surgeon fish, sword fish, and threadfin breams (bisugo).
The Visayan sea is also abundant of the following: abalones, clams, cockles, crabs, lobsters, mussels, oysters, prawns, scallops, seaweeds.shells,.shrimps, sponges, squids, turtles,
Based on fisheries statistics available at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Library, Miag-ao, Iloilo, this fishing ground has always been among the top three of the more than 50 commercial fishing grounds in the country.
Its lowest commercial production was in 1953 with a total production of 17,673,216 kgs (5.78% of the Philippine total fish production), while its highest was in 1979 with 197,874,000 kgs.
However, when it is referred to the Visayan sea highest total fisheries production, its peak was in 1992 with a total fish production of 257,839,000 kgs.
It is unfortunate however that this fishing ground has decreased its production through the years affecting so many fishermen around this area.
In the last four years, from 1992 to 1995, the Visayan sea total fisheries production went down from 257,839 metric tons to 208,883 MT.
In Panay alone more than 6,000 fishermen depend on the Visayan Sea’s resources.
Its decline started in 1971 just before the declaration of martial law with a commercial total production of 72,477,320 kilograms, from 112,735,480 kgs. in 1969 and 89,992,640 kgs. in 1970.
This decrease was noticeable despite the fact that at that time (1970: 2,061) the total number of powered fishing vessels in the Philippines was almost the same as in the previous years (1965-1969).
In 1965 for example, the total powered fishing vessel in the country was 2,066 while in 1971, there were 2,142.
But it recovered in 1992 with a total production of 257,839,000 kilograms but then again it went down to 208,883,000 kilograms in 1995.
This shows that this particular fishing ground is depleting perhaps due to over-fishing.
Since BFAR has not issued its latest figures on the production of our fishing grounds since 1995, we can not see whether the move to revitalize this area has been effective.
In Iloilo, a group of municipal coastal communities has formed a community-based alliance called the Northern Iloilo Alliance for Coastal Development to prevent illegal fishing.
This must have been the concrete result of the Visayan Sea Coastal and Fisheries Resources Management Project (VisSea) which was developed in 1998.
This integrated coastal resource management project aims to have sustainable resource management and utilization and, ultimately, to improve the socioeconomic conditions of the participating communities along the Visayan sea.
Below is the run-down of the production of this fishing ground from 1953 to 1995. It is unfortunate that this writer was not able to get the figures for the year 1957, and for the years after 1995.
Commercial Fish Production of the Visayan Sea, 1953-1995
Compiled by
Melchor F. Cichon, 2005
Note: Please note that the following figures include only the Commercial Production of the Visayan Sea because the municipal productions are not included in the Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines from 1953 to 1979, 1988-1991. It was only in 1992 that the municipal fisheries production was again reported.
Year... Visayan Sea (in kg)... Philippines (in kg)
1953... 17,673,216... 305,626,141
1954... 27,225,157... 343,624,987
1955... 25,086,591... 362,927,057
1956... 28,270,623... 393,648,000
1957... not available... 387,170,000
1958... 29,503,014... 426,666,000
1959... 28,859,710... 436,481,000
1960... 25,977,720... 444,622,000
1961... 31,220,390... 454,899,000
1962... 32,530,320... 483,948,000
1963... 43,560,840... 547,354,000
1964... 53,926,880... 603,506,000
1965... 70,148,280... 667,202,000
1966... 85,812,320... 705,278,000
1967... 118,265,160... 746,063,000
1968... 124,163,520... 937,684,000
1969... 112,735,480... 940,792,000
1970... 89,992,640... 988,884,000
1971... 72,477,320... 1,023,095,000
1972... 81,115,190... 1,122,410,000
1973... 169,393,470... 1,204,837,000
1974... 161,448,840... 1,268,368,000
1975... 181,030,900... 1,336,803,000
1976... 151,237,120... 1,393,483,000
1977... 175,080,000... 1,508,855,000
1978... 185,358,000... 1,580,404,000
1979... 197,874,000... 1,581,303,000
1980... 135,226,000... 1,672,254,000
1981... 125,559,000... 1,772,897,000
1982... 121,894,000... 1,896,983,000
1983... 130,528,000... 2,110,230,000
1984... 141,991,000... 2,080,439,000
1985... not available... 2,052,111,000
1986... 126,181,000... 2,089,484,000
1987... 135,137,000... 2,213,040,000
1988... 137,196,000... 2,269,744,000
1989... 137,196,000... 2,371,109,000
1990... 150,854,000... 2,503,546,000
1991... 159,657,000... 2,598,981,000
1992... 165,256,000... 2,625,607,000
1993... 131,709,000... 2,631,945,000
1994... 134,537,000... 2,720,989,000
1995... 120,267,000... 2,785,085,000
Sources: Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines. Manila: BFAR.
Hermes, R. et al. 2004. Overexploitation in the Visayan Sea: Designing a project solution, p. 312-317. In DA-BFR (Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources). In Turbulent seas: The status of Philippine marine fisheries. Coastal Resource Management Project, Cebu City, Philippines. 378p.
Philippine Fisheries Profile. Manila: BFAR.
"Philippine Visayan Sea Close to Depletion",The Catch from News Reports from Around the World. STREAM Media Monitoring Report, June 2004, p.6
Melchor F. Cichon
formerly posted in http://www.goodnewsphilippines.com
May 1, 2005
The Visayan Sea is one of the most productive fishing grounds in the Philippines.
It is enclosed by the island-provinces of Cebu, Masbate, Iloilo and Negros Occidental and it is located between 11 and 12 degrees North latitude and 123 and 124 degrees East longitude. It is approximately 10,000 square kilometers wide.
A large amount of fishes and other fishery products are caught in this area like: barracudas, big-eyed scad, bogies, dolphin fishes, eels, flatfishes, frigate tuna, gizzard shads (kabasi), goatfishes, groupers, lizard fishes, marlin, milkfish, moonfish, moray, rays, round herring, roundscad, sailfish, sea bass, sea catfishes, shark, siganids, skipjack, slipmouths, snapper (maya-maya), Spanish mackerels, surgeon fish, sword fish, and threadfin breams (bisugo).
The Visayan sea is also abundant of the following: abalones, clams, cockles, crabs, lobsters, mussels, oysters, prawns, scallops, seaweeds.shells,.shrimps, sponges, squids, turtles,
Based on fisheries statistics available at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Library, Miag-ao, Iloilo, this fishing ground has always been among the top three of the more than 50 commercial fishing grounds in the country.
Its lowest commercial production was in 1953 with a total production of 17,673,216 kgs (5.78% of the Philippine total fish production), while its highest was in 1979 with 197,874,000 kgs.
However, when it is referred to the Visayan sea highest total fisheries production, its peak was in 1992 with a total fish production of 257,839,000 kgs.
It is unfortunate however that this fishing ground has decreased its production through the years affecting so many fishermen around this area.
In the last four years, from 1992 to 1995, the Visayan sea total fisheries production went down from 257,839 metric tons to 208,883 MT.
In Panay alone more than 6,000 fishermen depend on the Visayan Sea’s resources.
Its decline started in 1971 just before the declaration of martial law with a commercial total production of 72,477,320 kilograms, from 112,735,480 kgs. in 1969 and 89,992,640 kgs. in 1970.
This decrease was noticeable despite the fact that at that time (1970: 2,061) the total number of powered fishing vessels in the Philippines was almost the same as in the previous years (1965-1969).
In 1965 for example, the total powered fishing vessel in the country was 2,066 while in 1971, there were 2,142.
But it recovered in 1992 with a total production of 257,839,000 kilograms but then again it went down to 208,883,000 kilograms in 1995.
This shows that this particular fishing ground is depleting perhaps due to over-fishing.
Since BFAR has not issued its latest figures on the production of our fishing grounds since 1995, we can not see whether the move to revitalize this area has been effective.
In Iloilo, a group of municipal coastal communities has formed a community-based alliance called the Northern Iloilo Alliance for Coastal Development to prevent illegal fishing.
This must have been the concrete result of the Visayan Sea Coastal and Fisheries Resources Management Project (VisSea) which was developed in 1998.
This integrated coastal resource management project aims to have sustainable resource management and utilization and, ultimately, to improve the socioeconomic conditions of the participating communities along the Visayan sea.
Below is the run-down of the production of this fishing ground from 1953 to 1995. It is unfortunate that this writer was not able to get the figures for the year 1957, and for the years after 1995.
Commercial Fish Production of the Visayan Sea, 1953-1995
Compiled by
Melchor F. Cichon, 2005
Note: Please note that the following figures include only the Commercial Production of the Visayan Sea because the municipal productions are not included in the Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines from 1953 to 1979, 1988-1991. It was only in 1992 that the municipal fisheries production was again reported.
Year... Visayan Sea (in kg)... Philippines (in kg)
1953... 17,673,216... 305,626,141
1954... 27,225,157... 343,624,987
1955... 25,086,591... 362,927,057
1956... 28,270,623... 393,648,000
1957... not available... 387,170,000
1958... 29,503,014... 426,666,000
1959... 28,859,710... 436,481,000
1960... 25,977,720... 444,622,000
1961... 31,220,390... 454,899,000
1962... 32,530,320... 483,948,000
1963... 43,560,840... 547,354,000
1964... 53,926,880... 603,506,000
1965... 70,148,280... 667,202,000
1966... 85,812,320... 705,278,000
1967... 118,265,160... 746,063,000
1968... 124,163,520... 937,684,000
1969... 112,735,480... 940,792,000
1970... 89,992,640... 988,884,000
1971... 72,477,320... 1,023,095,000
1972... 81,115,190... 1,122,410,000
1973... 169,393,470... 1,204,837,000
1974... 161,448,840... 1,268,368,000
1975... 181,030,900... 1,336,803,000
1976... 151,237,120... 1,393,483,000
1977... 175,080,000... 1,508,855,000
1978... 185,358,000... 1,580,404,000
1979... 197,874,000... 1,581,303,000
1980... 135,226,000... 1,672,254,000
1981... 125,559,000... 1,772,897,000
1982... 121,894,000... 1,896,983,000
1983... 130,528,000... 2,110,230,000
1984... 141,991,000... 2,080,439,000
1985... not available... 2,052,111,000
1986... 126,181,000... 2,089,484,000
1987... 135,137,000... 2,213,040,000
1988... 137,196,000... 2,269,744,000
1989... 137,196,000... 2,371,109,000
1990... 150,854,000... 2,503,546,000
1991... 159,657,000... 2,598,981,000
1992... 165,256,000... 2,625,607,000
1993... 131,709,000... 2,631,945,000
1994... 134,537,000... 2,720,989,000
1995... 120,267,000... 2,785,085,000
Sources: Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines. Manila: BFAR.
Hermes, R. et al. 2004. Overexploitation in the Visayan Sea: Designing a project solution, p. 312-317. In DA-BFR (Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources). In Turbulent seas: The status of Philippine marine fisheries. Coastal Resource Management Project, Cebu City, Philippines. 378p.
Philippine Fisheries Profile. Manila: BFAR.
"Philippine Visayan Sea Close to Depletion",The Catch from News Reports from Around the World. STREAM Media Monitoring Report, June 2004, p.6
Roundscad, The Philippine Fish Topnotcher
Roundscad, The Philippine Fish Topnotcher
By
Melchor F. Cichon
2005
In 1950, roundscad was not even listed among the top ten commercial fisheries production by major fish species in the Philippines.
But the following year, roundscad or galonggong (Decapterus sp.) became the most productive fish in the country.
And it has been on top for 38 times since then.
Also, it has been ranked 6 times as a second placer, and once on rank 3 since 1950 to 1997.
It 1997, the total commercial production of roundscad was 196,588 metric tons or about 22.2 % of the total commercial fish production, the highest among the top ten fisheries production in the country.
In the same year, the total marine municipal production of roundscad reached 32,290 metric tons (about 4.2% of the total municipal production) and it ranked number 7.
No other Philippine fishes have come closed to roundscad production.
Tuna and tuna like species landed five times in Rank 1, and once in Rank 2.
Slipmouth landed only four times in Rank 1 from 1950 to 1997, and 22 times as Rank 2, and three times in Rank 3. (see Fig. 1)
No other fishes have ranked first since 1950 to 1997.
Fig. 1 (Number of Rankings of Top Three Most Productive Fishes in the Philippines, 1950-1997)
.Species .......Rank and Frequency
......First... Second... Third
Roundscad ....38 ..6 ..1
Tuna & tuna like species.. 5 .1... 0
Slipmouth ...4 ...22... 3
Sardines ....0 ...11... 15
Galonggong has different names in other parts of the country. Here are some of them
Local Name Province
Alumahan .... Tawi-Tawi
Barranti ....... Apari
Borot ...........Cagayan de Oro City
Budboron ....Cebu
Malatindok ... Tacloban
Malimno ......Catbalogan, Samar
Marot or Tamodios.... Iloilo
Sibubog .......Bicol
Tayang (malaki) ....Cotabato City
Tulay - ........Jolo, Sulu (Taosug)
Roundscads are generally caught in the West Sulu Sea which contribute about 37 percent of the total commercial catch . Other fishing areas that have abundant roundscads are the following: Visayan Sea, South Sulu Sea, Moro Gulf, and East Sulu Sea.
Roundscads have also been caught at the Samar Sea, Batangas Coast, South Sulu Sea and Lamon Bay.
Here are the fishing grounds for roundscads (production in mt) , 1991-1992
Fishing Grounds ....Year and Production (mt)
................1991.....1992
West Sulu Sea.... 2,250 ....2,712
South Sulu Sea...54,638 ...76,408
Visayan Sea...... 34,7665 .31,529
Moro Gulf........ 16,535 ....36,990
Lamon Bay ......5,024 ......10,988
East Sulu Sea ...6,285 ......7,535
Cuyo Bay ........3,760 ......1,687
Tayabas Bay ...4,199 ......5,326
Batangas Coast ...808 .....942
Bohol Sea .......6,100 ......6,889
Others .........112,596 .....93,031
Total ........559,860..... 274,037
The major fishing gears used to catch roundscads are purse seine, bagnet and trawl.
Here is the average total production of roundscads by type of gears used, 1979-1987 (in mt)
Types of gears Quantity
Purse seine/ringnet ..85,305
Bagnet .......26,258
Trawl .........22,289
Gill net .......9,238
Hook and Line ....5,881
Round haul seine .1,562
Beach seine ........1,126
Fish coral ...........1,017
Long line ............1,047
Others ................1,845
Total ..............155,568
There are five species of roundscads in the Philippines. These are Decapterus macrosoma, D. maruadsi, D. macarellus, D. russelli and D. kurroides.
Because they are usually caught in depths between 40 m to 200 m., they are considered pelagic fishes. But they become demersal during their spawning season. And they avoid salinity of less than 30 ppt (part per thousand) and their distribution depends on the abundance of zooplanktons, small fishes and crustaceans.
Their spawning season is from December to March in the Palawan waters and December to April or May in the Manila Bay.
Below is the available statistics on roundscad production from 1950 to 2001.This was compiled by this writer from the Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines, and from the Philippine Fisheries Profile, both issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
It must be noted that the lowest production was in 1953 with a total commercial production of 7,248,129 kg or 248 mt., while its highest was in 2001 with a total production of 282,787 mt.
It must be noted too that the production of roundscad is fluctuating. This can be attributed to the use of modern and more sophisticated fishing gears and methods. The possibility of getting over-exploitation is great.
This was in fact already noted by Bimbao, Gomez and Ramos in 1991.
Let me quote their recommendations:
"Roundscad supply had been fluctuating and moving at a slower rate in the past 12 years. Strategies on increasing fish catch vis-à-vis efficient marketing system were among country’s development thrusts. In the case of roundscad, however, it was given attention by national policy makers only recently as manifested in the launching of "Operation Galunggong: Presyong Abot-kaya ng Mamamayan" on February 14, 1991 in selected markets in Metro Manila purposely to make it affordable to the consuming public.
"Due to the biological nature of roundscad which abound only on deeper waters, its supply comes mostly from commercial rather than the municipal sector. Therefore, government programs/projects which call for the introduction of modern fishing technologies, improved vessel operating technique, and promotion of more efficient fishing gears must be addressed to the former. It has been observed that most traditional fishing grounds for roundscad are heavily exploited and almost depleted as manifested in the declining roundscad catch. Thus, an extensive exploratory study to determine the productivity of the traditional as well as non-traditional fishing grounds vis-à-vis the prevailing monsoon must be conducted. Moreover, a comprehensive resource assessment project should be implemented to identify and determine the most productive and profitable fishing grounds. An overly fished area can then be given a chance to recover and restore its natural productivity. Exploitation of non-traditional fishing rounds as well as restoration of overfished areas can be enhanced through intensive information campaign and technology."
Amen.
Production of Roundscad by Fishery Sector, 1950-2001/
Note: from 1950-1972 in kg; from 1973-2001 in mt
Year ...Production Total ...Commercial... Municipal
1950 ....317,910 ......NA* ......317,910
1951 ....4,644,210 ...NA ........4,644,210
1952 ....9,693,096 ...NA.........9,693,096
1953 ...7,248,129 .....NA .......7,248,129
1954 ...21,153,660 ...NA .......21,153,660
1955 ...27,539,257 ...NA .......27,539,257
1956 ..18,884,655 ...NA ........18,884,655
1957 ..19,322,468 ....NA .......19,322,468
1958 ..21,050,325 ...NA ........21,050,325
1959 ..21,904,330 ...NA ........21,904,330
1960 ..23,783,450 ....NA........23,783,450
1961 ..252,58050 ....NA ........25,258,050
1962 ..39,125,400 ...NA ........39,125,400
1963 ..58,526,630 ...NA ......58,526,630
1964 ..80,293,760 ...NA ......80,293,760
1965 ..99,939,440 ...NA ......99,939,440
1966 ..96,088,640 ...NA ......96,088,640
1967 ..100,327,360 ...NA ....100,327,360
1968 ..87,521,240 ....NA .....87,521,240
1969 ..109,728,640 ..NA ....109,728,640
1970 ..150,713,000 ..NA ....150,713,000
1971 ..142,920,520 ..NA ....142,920,520
1972 ..150,355,750 ...NA ...150,355,750
1973 ..170,014 ...........NA ..170,014
1974 ..168,010 ...........NA ..168,010
1975 ..157,969 ..........NA ....157,969
1976 ..184,998 ........39,666..224,664
1977 ..156,631 .......26,067..182,698
1978 ..115,030 ........27,583.142,613
1979 ..114,868 ........31,338.146,206
1980 ..111,316 ..........20,813..132,129
1981 ..120,857 .........29,090...149,947
1982 ..150,266 .........32,987 ...183,253
1983 ..131,261 .........33,762 ...165,023
1984 ..105,013 ........26,570 ....131,583
1985 ..106,262 .........25,446 ...131,708
1986 ..151,298 .........24,557 ...175,855
1987 ..154,059 .........30,352 ...184,411
1988 ..149,213 .........29,474 ...178,687
1989 ..179,873 ..........29,948...209,821
1990 ..220,379 .........28,921 ...249,300
1991 ..247,330 .........NA .......247,330
1992 ..246,960 .........NA .......246,960
1993 ..243,565 .........26,545 ..270,110
1994 ..210,276 ..........22,901..233,177
1995 ..235,813 .........23,955 ..259,768
1996 ..200,418 ........23,506... 223,924
1997 ..196,588 .........32,290.. 228,878
1998 ..216,821 .........28,322.. 245,143
1999 ..219,519 ........28,943 ...248,462
2000 ..225,861 .........30,115 ..255,976
2001 .250,679 .........32,108 . .282,787
Note: *NA No record available
Sources
Bimbao, Gaspar D., Ma. Carol E. Gomez, and Erlinda M. Ramos. 1991. Trends and prospects of roundscad in the Philippines. Fishery statistics bulletin, vol. 1, No. 8, May 1991. 20p. (mimeo)
Calvelo, Rosita R. 1997. Review of the Philippine small pelagic resources and their fisheries, pp.259-299. In: M. Devaraj and P. Martosubroto, eds. 1997. Small pelagic resources and their fisheries in the Asia-Pacific Region. Proceedings of the APFIC Working Party on Marine fisheries. First Session, 13-16 May 1997, Bangkok, Thailand. RAP Publication 1997/31, 445p.
Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines. Manila, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
By
Melchor F. Cichon
2005
In 1950, roundscad was not even listed among the top ten commercial fisheries production by major fish species in the Philippines.
But the following year, roundscad or galonggong (Decapterus sp.) became the most productive fish in the country.
And it has been on top for 38 times since then.
Also, it has been ranked 6 times as a second placer, and once on rank 3 since 1950 to 1997.
It 1997, the total commercial production of roundscad was 196,588 metric tons or about 22.2 % of the total commercial fish production, the highest among the top ten fisheries production in the country.
In the same year, the total marine municipal production of roundscad reached 32,290 metric tons (about 4.2% of the total municipal production) and it ranked number 7.
No other Philippine fishes have come closed to roundscad production.
Tuna and tuna like species landed five times in Rank 1, and once in Rank 2.
Slipmouth landed only four times in Rank 1 from 1950 to 1997, and 22 times as Rank 2, and three times in Rank 3. (see Fig. 1)
No other fishes have ranked first since 1950 to 1997.
Fig. 1 (Number of Rankings of Top Three Most Productive Fishes in the Philippines, 1950-1997)
.Species .......Rank and Frequency
......First... Second... Third
Roundscad ....38 ..6 ..1
Tuna & tuna like species.. 5 .1... 0
Slipmouth ...4 ...22... 3
Sardines ....0 ...11... 15
Galonggong has different names in other parts of the country. Here are some of them
Local Name Province
Alumahan .... Tawi-Tawi
Barranti ....... Apari
Borot ...........Cagayan de Oro City
Budboron ....Cebu
Malatindok ... Tacloban
Malimno ......Catbalogan, Samar
Marot or Tamodios.... Iloilo
Sibubog .......Bicol
Tayang (malaki) ....Cotabato City
Tulay - ........Jolo, Sulu (Taosug)
Roundscads are generally caught in the West Sulu Sea which contribute about 37 percent of the total commercial catch . Other fishing areas that have abundant roundscads are the following: Visayan Sea, South Sulu Sea, Moro Gulf, and East Sulu Sea.
Roundscads have also been caught at the Samar Sea, Batangas Coast, South Sulu Sea and Lamon Bay.
Here are the fishing grounds for roundscads (production in mt) , 1991-1992
Fishing Grounds ....Year and Production (mt)
................1991.....1992
West Sulu Sea.... 2,250 ....2,712
South Sulu Sea...54,638 ...76,408
Visayan Sea...... 34,7665 .31,529
Moro Gulf........ 16,535 ....36,990
Lamon Bay ......5,024 ......10,988
East Sulu Sea ...6,285 ......7,535
Cuyo Bay ........3,760 ......1,687
Tayabas Bay ...4,199 ......5,326
Batangas Coast ...808 .....942
Bohol Sea .......6,100 ......6,889
Others .........112,596 .....93,031
Total ........559,860..... 274,037
The major fishing gears used to catch roundscads are purse seine, bagnet and trawl.
Here is the average total production of roundscads by type of gears used, 1979-1987 (in mt)
Types of gears Quantity
Purse seine/ringnet ..85,305
Bagnet .......26,258
Trawl .........22,289
Gill net .......9,238
Hook and Line ....5,881
Round haul seine .1,562
Beach seine ........1,126
Fish coral ...........1,017
Long line ............1,047
Others ................1,845
Total ..............155,568
There are five species of roundscads in the Philippines. These are Decapterus macrosoma, D. maruadsi, D. macarellus, D. russelli and D. kurroides.
Because they are usually caught in depths between 40 m to 200 m., they are considered pelagic fishes. But they become demersal during their spawning season. And they avoid salinity of less than 30 ppt (part per thousand) and their distribution depends on the abundance of zooplanktons, small fishes and crustaceans.
Their spawning season is from December to March in the Palawan waters and December to April or May in the Manila Bay.
Below is the available statistics on roundscad production from 1950 to 2001.This was compiled by this writer from the Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines, and from the Philippine Fisheries Profile, both issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
It must be noted that the lowest production was in 1953 with a total commercial production of 7,248,129 kg or 248 mt., while its highest was in 2001 with a total production of 282,787 mt.
It must be noted too that the production of roundscad is fluctuating. This can be attributed to the use of modern and more sophisticated fishing gears and methods. The possibility of getting over-exploitation is great.
This was in fact already noted by Bimbao, Gomez and Ramos in 1991.
Let me quote their recommendations:
"Roundscad supply had been fluctuating and moving at a slower rate in the past 12 years. Strategies on increasing fish catch vis-à-vis efficient marketing system were among country’s development thrusts. In the case of roundscad, however, it was given attention by national policy makers only recently as manifested in the launching of "Operation Galunggong: Presyong Abot-kaya ng Mamamayan" on February 14, 1991 in selected markets in Metro Manila purposely to make it affordable to the consuming public.
"Due to the biological nature of roundscad which abound only on deeper waters, its supply comes mostly from commercial rather than the municipal sector. Therefore, government programs/projects which call for the introduction of modern fishing technologies, improved vessel operating technique, and promotion of more efficient fishing gears must be addressed to the former. It has been observed that most traditional fishing grounds for roundscad are heavily exploited and almost depleted as manifested in the declining roundscad catch. Thus, an extensive exploratory study to determine the productivity of the traditional as well as non-traditional fishing grounds vis-à-vis the prevailing monsoon must be conducted. Moreover, a comprehensive resource assessment project should be implemented to identify and determine the most productive and profitable fishing grounds. An overly fished area can then be given a chance to recover and restore its natural productivity. Exploitation of non-traditional fishing rounds as well as restoration of overfished areas can be enhanced through intensive information campaign and technology."
Amen.
Production of Roundscad by Fishery Sector, 1950-2001/
Note: from 1950-1972 in kg; from 1973-2001 in mt
Year ...Production Total ...Commercial... Municipal
1950 ....317,910 ......NA* ......317,910
1951 ....4,644,210 ...NA ........4,644,210
1952 ....9,693,096 ...NA.........9,693,096
1953 ...7,248,129 .....NA .......7,248,129
1954 ...21,153,660 ...NA .......21,153,660
1955 ...27,539,257 ...NA .......27,539,257
1956 ..18,884,655 ...NA ........18,884,655
1957 ..19,322,468 ....NA .......19,322,468
1958 ..21,050,325 ...NA ........21,050,325
1959 ..21,904,330 ...NA ........21,904,330
1960 ..23,783,450 ....NA........23,783,450
1961 ..252,58050 ....NA ........25,258,050
1962 ..39,125,400 ...NA ........39,125,400
1963 ..58,526,630 ...NA ......58,526,630
1964 ..80,293,760 ...NA ......80,293,760
1965 ..99,939,440 ...NA ......99,939,440
1966 ..96,088,640 ...NA ......96,088,640
1967 ..100,327,360 ...NA ....100,327,360
1968 ..87,521,240 ....NA .....87,521,240
1969 ..109,728,640 ..NA ....109,728,640
1970 ..150,713,000 ..NA ....150,713,000
1971 ..142,920,520 ..NA ....142,920,520
1972 ..150,355,750 ...NA ...150,355,750
1973 ..170,014 ...........NA ..170,014
1974 ..168,010 ...........NA ..168,010
1975 ..157,969 ..........NA ....157,969
1976 ..184,998 ........39,666..224,664
1977 ..156,631 .......26,067..182,698
1978 ..115,030 ........27,583.142,613
1979 ..114,868 ........31,338.146,206
1980 ..111,316 ..........20,813..132,129
1981 ..120,857 .........29,090...149,947
1982 ..150,266 .........32,987 ...183,253
1983 ..131,261 .........33,762 ...165,023
1984 ..105,013 ........26,570 ....131,583
1985 ..106,262 .........25,446 ...131,708
1986 ..151,298 .........24,557 ...175,855
1987 ..154,059 .........30,352 ...184,411
1988 ..149,213 .........29,474 ...178,687
1989 ..179,873 ..........29,948...209,821
1990 ..220,379 .........28,921 ...249,300
1991 ..247,330 .........NA .......247,330
1992 ..246,960 .........NA .......246,960
1993 ..243,565 .........26,545 ..270,110
1994 ..210,276 ..........22,901..233,177
1995 ..235,813 .........23,955 ..259,768
1996 ..200,418 ........23,506... 223,924
1997 ..196,588 .........32,290.. 228,878
1998 ..216,821 .........28,322.. 245,143
1999 ..219,519 ........28,943 ...248,462
2000 ..225,861 .........30,115 ..255,976
2001 .250,679 .........32,108 . .282,787
Note: *NA No record available
Sources
Bimbao, Gaspar D., Ma. Carol E. Gomez, and Erlinda M. Ramos. 1991. Trends and prospects of roundscad in the Philippines. Fishery statistics bulletin, vol. 1, No. 8, May 1991. 20p. (mimeo)
Calvelo, Rosita R. 1997. Review of the Philippine small pelagic resources and their fisheries, pp.259-299. In: M. Devaraj and P. Martosubroto, eds. 1997. Small pelagic resources and their fisheries in the Asia-Pacific Region. Proceedings of the APFIC Working Party on Marine fisheries. First Session, 13-16 May 1997, Bangkok, Thailand. RAP Publication 1997/31, 445p.
Fisheries Statistics of the Philippines. Manila, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
The Parable of the Missing Bag
While I was still working in one of the university libraries in Metro Manila, my co-workers and I had heard complaints from students that their bags, or wallets got lost.
And they wondered who the culprit or culprits were.
Although our supervisors did not tell us to catch the culprit or culprits, Joe and I promised to do something about it.
One Saturday afternoon while we were doing our usual works at the readers services rooms, Joe told me to close the exit gate upon his instruction.
After one hour, Joe told me to close the exit gate because he believed the suspect had gotten inside the room, and has taken one of the bags placed by somebody on the reading table.
I noticed one girl carrying two bags.
So I immediately closed the gate.
I questioned her why she was carrying two bags. She said that one of the bags belonged to her friend and she was asked to carry it.
By then so many students could no longer get out of the library and so they gathered near the exit gate.
Not long after that a girl arrived.
She told me that her bag was missing. When she looked at the girl carrying two bags, she immediately recognized her missing bag.
"That's my bag!", she said.
I told her to prove her claim. She told me that her ID card was inside the bag.
So the bag was opened, and in a few seconds, she picked out her ID card from the said bag.
Now that we were sure that we caught the culprit, we phoned the university police for assistance.
And in a few minutes, they came.
They brought the culprit to their headquarter for investigation.
And they wondered who the culprit or culprits were.
Although our supervisors did not tell us to catch the culprit or culprits, Joe and I promised to do something about it.
One Saturday afternoon while we were doing our usual works at the readers services rooms, Joe told me to close the exit gate upon his instruction.
After one hour, Joe told me to close the exit gate because he believed the suspect had gotten inside the room, and has taken one of the bags placed by somebody on the reading table.
I noticed one girl carrying two bags.
So I immediately closed the gate.
I questioned her why she was carrying two bags. She said that one of the bags belonged to her friend and she was asked to carry it.
By then so many students could no longer get out of the library and so they gathered near the exit gate.
Not long after that a girl arrived.
She told me that her bag was missing. When she looked at the girl carrying two bags, she immediately recognized her missing bag.
"That's my bag!", she said.
I told her to prove her claim. She told me that her ID card was inside the bag.
So the bag was opened, and in a few seconds, she picked out her ID card from the said bag.
Now that we were sure that we caught the culprit, we phoned the university police for assistance.
And in a few minutes, they came.
They brought the culprit to their headquarter for investigation.
The Mouseion
The Jan-Jun 2006, of The Mouseion, the official newsletter of the UPV Museum of Natural Sciences, Office of the Dean, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, has just come off the press.
Three significant news articles can be found in this issue: Janitor fish in the Agusan Marsh : a threat to freshwater biodiversity by Marianne Hubila and Ferenc Kis; Prof. Vicencio: a picture of a dedicated mentor by Sol Garibay, and Fossils, imprint of the past by Cornelio M. Selorio, Jr.
The first article warns the public on the great threat that the janitor fish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) would do to the ecological balance of Agusan Marsh as they will compete for food for the native catfish, carps, mudfish, tarpons, mullets, tialpia, including bivalves and gastropods found in the marsh.
The second article gives a short profile of one of the best phycologists in the country today, the former professor of phycology of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UPV, Prof. Zosima T. Vicencio. One of her notable researches was "Algal Food Habits of the Milkfish." At 82, Prof. Vicencio still serves as consultant of PHIL-KOEI Interantional. Inc.
The third article provides an interesting find: there are fossils in Igang, Pototan, Iloilo, Philippines. Unfortunately, some of these fossils "have been used in building school fences, as filling materials in roads and buildings."
So unless the local and the national governments will do something about this, these imprints of the past will be gone forever.
Three significant news articles can be found in this issue: Janitor fish in the Agusan Marsh : a threat to freshwater biodiversity by Marianne Hubila and Ferenc Kis; Prof. Vicencio: a picture of a dedicated mentor by Sol Garibay, and Fossils, imprint of the past by Cornelio M. Selorio, Jr.
The first article warns the public on the great threat that the janitor fish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) would do to the ecological balance of Agusan Marsh as they will compete for food for the native catfish, carps, mudfish, tarpons, mullets, tialpia, including bivalves and gastropods found in the marsh.
The second article gives a short profile of one of the best phycologists in the country today, the former professor of phycology of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UPV, Prof. Zosima T. Vicencio. One of her notable researches was "Algal Food Habits of the Milkfish." At 82, Prof. Vicencio still serves as consultant of PHIL-KOEI Interantional. Inc.
The third article provides an interesting find: there are fossils in Igang, Pototan, Iloilo, Philippines. Unfortunately, some of these fossils "have been used in building school fences, as filling materials in roads and buildings."
So unless the local and the national governments will do something about this, these imprints of the past will be gone forever.
Book Review: A Landmark on Philippine Ichthyology
Book Review: A Landmark on Philippine Ichthyology
by
Melchor F. Cichon
Fishes/Prudencia V. Conlu.--Quezon City: Natural Resource Center, Ministry of Natural Resources and the University of the Philippines, c1986. xx, 493. (Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna, vol. xix) (Available at UPV-CFOS Library, Miag-ao, Iloilo, Philippines)
This book will definitely serve as a major reference text on Philippine fishes for decades to come. It is the first book on the subject written by a Filipino since 1937. It updates and expands the three most used references on Philippine fishes today: Edible Fishes of Manila, by Agustin F. Umali, 1937; Albert Herre, Checklist of Philippine Fishes, 1953; and Norbert Rau and Anke Rau,. Commercial Fishes of the Central Philippines (Bony Fishes), 1980.
Umali's work provides the scientific names, common names, description, biology, distribution and the literature sources. It has no illustrations. In Rau and Rau's work, the specimens were gathered from Cebu. It also provides the scientific names, common names and descriptions of Philippine fishes commonly seen in the markets in Cebu. Each species is illustrated. the scientific names do not bear dates.
Prof.Conlu's work, on the other hand, gives all the features provided by Umali, Herre and Rau and Rau, plus expanded details on the biology of the species presented. One more feature which is not found in any of the three references mentioned , is the ecological status of each species described and illustrated. The ecological status based on such categories as rare, vanishing, or not. Aside from that, Prof. Conlu's work includes the twenty species not included in Herre's work, bringing the present known Philippine fishes from 2,1175 to 2,202. It describes 427 species with 395 illustrations in black and white. The specimens were collected from various fish landings, fish markets, fishing village, and from various fishing operations in some fishing grounds of the Philippines. In short, the specimens came from the various parts of the Philippines. The total species described represents 20% families and 235 genera.
This review will not be complete of I don't present some of its shortcomings. And if the author will have a chance to revise this, I offer these unsolicited suggestions:
1. The note at the Index to Scientific Names be revised so that readers would not be confused whether the numbers in bold print refer to figure number or page number where the figure is found. As an information analyst, I thought that the numbers in bold print in the Index to Scientific Names really refer to the Figure Number. But I was wrong. The note says: "Numbers in the bold print refer to Figures, while the figures in italics denote Synonyms". A further checking on the index reveals that the bold numbers refer to the page where the figures are located.
2. This book is fully illustrated, yet the illustrator's name does not appear in any pages of this book. It is suggested that the illustrator of this book be acknowledged even if he has been commissioned to do those illustrations. He is still the rightful author of those illustrations and he is entitled to an acknowledgment.
3. This book is full of information particularly on the biology and distribution of each species. but I did not see any footnotes. The three-page bibliography is very insufficient if not tiresome to a researcher who wants to know more about the fish particulaly when he has limited time to research. It is therefore suggested that footnotes or endnotes be used not only to facilitate the work of a researcher but also to give credit where credit is due.
4. The book presents 427 species, yet there are only 295 figures. Therefore there are 32 species which have no illustrations. It would be very helpful to researchers if these missing illustrations be supplied in the next edition.
These shortcomings are, however, very negligible when compared to the merits of this work. Fisheries students, researchers, scuba divers, policy and decision makers will find this work very valuable. It deserves a place in every fisheries library.
by
Melchor F. Cichon
Fishes/Prudencia V. Conlu.--Quezon City: Natural Resource Center, Ministry of Natural Resources and the University of the Philippines, c1986. xx, 493. (Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna, vol. xix) (Available at UPV-CFOS Library, Miag-ao, Iloilo, Philippines)
This book will definitely serve as a major reference text on Philippine fishes for decades to come. It is the first book on the subject written by a Filipino since 1937. It updates and expands the three most used references on Philippine fishes today: Edible Fishes of Manila, by Agustin F. Umali, 1937; Albert Herre, Checklist of Philippine Fishes, 1953; and Norbert Rau and Anke Rau,. Commercial Fishes of the Central Philippines (Bony Fishes), 1980.
Umali's work provides the scientific names, common names, description, biology, distribution and the literature sources. It has no illustrations. In Rau and Rau's work, the specimens were gathered from Cebu. It also provides the scientific names, common names and descriptions of Philippine fishes commonly seen in the markets in Cebu. Each species is illustrated. the scientific names do not bear dates.
Prof.Conlu's work, on the other hand, gives all the features provided by Umali, Herre and Rau and Rau, plus expanded details on the biology of the species presented. One more feature which is not found in any of the three references mentioned , is the ecological status of each species described and illustrated. The ecological status based on such categories as rare, vanishing, or not. Aside from that, Prof. Conlu's work includes the twenty species not included in Herre's work, bringing the present known Philippine fishes from 2,1175 to 2,202. It describes 427 species with 395 illustrations in black and white. The specimens were collected from various fish landings, fish markets, fishing village, and from various fishing operations in some fishing grounds of the Philippines. In short, the specimens came from the various parts of the Philippines. The total species described represents 20% families and 235 genera.
This review will not be complete of I don't present some of its shortcomings. And if the author will have a chance to revise this, I offer these unsolicited suggestions:
1. The note at the Index to Scientific Names be revised so that readers would not be confused whether the numbers in bold print refer to figure number or page number where the figure is found. As an information analyst, I thought that the numbers in bold print in the Index to Scientific Names really refer to the Figure Number. But I was wrong. The note says: "Numbers in the bold print refer to Figures, while the figures in italics denote Synonyms". A further checking on the index reveals that the bold numbers refer to the page where the figures are located.
2. This book is fully illustrated, yet the illustrator's name does not appear in any pages of this book. It is suggested that the illustrator of this book be acknowledged even if he has been commissioned to do those illustrations. He is still the rightful author of those illustrations and he is entitled to an acknowledgment.
3. This book is full of information particularly on the biology and distribution of each species. but I did not see any footnotes. The three-page bibliography is very insufficient if not tiresome to a researcher who wants to know more about the fish particulaly when he has limited time to research. It is therefore suggested that footnotes or endnotes be used not only to facilitate the work of a researcher but also to give credit where credit is due.
4. The book presents 427 species, yet there are only 295 figures. Therefore there are 32 species which have no illustrations. It would be very helpful to researchers if these missing illustrations be supplied in the next edition.
These shortcomings are, however, very negligible when compared to the merits of this work. Fisheries students, researchers, scuba divers, policy and decision makers will find this work very valuable. It deserves a place in every fisheries library.
Book Review: Guide to Fishing Gears in the Philippines
Book Review: Guide to Fishing Gears in the Philippines
Dugan, Chito E., Alfredo L. Bernarte, Jr. and Cesar Allan C. Vera, Jr. Guide to Fishing Gears in the Philippines. Quezon City: Sentro Para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya,Inc. c2003. v, various paginations.
In 1950, Agustin Umali published a classic book on fishing gears in the Philippines, Guide to the Classification of Fishing Gears in the Philippines. Research Report 17. United States Government Printing Office. 1950. Until now this book is still being used by students and faculty as a reference material.
In 1998, BFAR published another book on fishing gears in the Philippines, Handbook on Selected Philippine Fishing Gears and Methods.
And then in 2003, Dugan et al published this book under review.
This book as stated in the Introduction is "intended as a quick reference material for identifying gear type and not for gear construction. While it gives a rough estimate of the dimensions of the materials that are used on a particular gear type, it is only intended to provide a clearer picture of the gear. Detailed specifications on gear designs are therefore not incorporated in this book."
The book is divided into18 chapters.
The classifications and descriptions of each of the fishing gears used in the different part of the Philippines, particularly those gears commonly used by municipal fishers start on chapter 4.
About two-third of the book deals on hand instruments like snare and spear, traps, handlines, gill nets, trammel nets, lift nets, surrounding nets, seines, trawls and boat dredges, push nets, falling nets, tidal nets, and destructive and stupefying methods of catching which include electrofishing, blast fishing and poison.
Before each fishing gear and method is described, the authors provide general description of the group of fishing gears, followed by a specific write-up on each fishing gear. Like the snare, the authors first gives the local name of the gear (Panukot in Bulacan and Panundot/Ganso in Cavite), then followed by its variations, operation, socio-economic analysis, environmental importance, technological information like its volume of catch, and lastly information on management options.
An illustration in black and white of each of the gears is provided.
But aside from the descriptions given to each fishing gear, this book also provides other useful information.
While Chapter 17 deals on the existing Philippine policies on the fishing gears, and on the management of fishing gears, Chapter 18 provides gear nomenclature, glossary, research partners and the list of references.
Over-all, I can say that this book is a very informative reference material on fishing gears in the Philippines.
Its usefulness will outlive its binding and the paper it uses.
I certainly like its cover design: very invocative.
However, it does not provide an index, although its table of contents can provide sufficient information on what page a certain fishing gear is discussed.
Dugan, Chito E., Alfredo L. Bernarte, Jr. and Cesar Allan C. Vera, Jr. Guide to Fishing Gears in the Philippines. Quezon City: Sentro Para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya,Inc. c2003. v, various paginations.
In 1950, Agustin Umali published a classic book on fishing gears in the Philippines, Guide to the Classification of Fishing Gears in the Philippines. Research Report 17. United States Government Printing Office. 1950. Until now this book is still being used by students and faculty as a reference material.
In 1998, BFAR published another book on fishing gears in the Philippines, Handbook on Selected Philippine Fishing Gears and Methods.
And then in 2003, Dugan et al published this book under review.
This book as stated in the Introduction is "intended as a quick reference material for identifying gear type and not for gear construction. While it gives a rough estimate of the dimensions of the materials that are used on a particular gear type, it is only intended to provide a clearer picture of the gear. Detailed specifications on gear designs are therefore not incorporated in this book."
The book is divided into18 chapters.
The classifications and descriptions of each of the fishing gears used in the different part of the Philippines, particularly those gears commonly used by municipal fishers start on chapter 4.
About two-third of the book deals on hand instruments like snare and spear, traps, handlines, gill nets, trammel nets, lift nets, surrounding nets, seines, trawls and boat dredges, push nets, falling nets, tidal nets, and destructive and stupefying methods of catching which include electrofishing, blast fishing and poison.
Before each fishing gear and method is described, the authors provide general description of the group of fishing gears, followed by a specific write-up on each fishing gear. Like the snare, the authors first gives the local name of the gear (Panukot in Bulacan and Panundot/Ganso in Cavite), then followed by its variations, operation, socio-economic analysis, environmental importance, technological information like its volume of catch, and lastly information on management options.
An illustration in black and white of each of the gears is provided.
But aside from the descriptions given to each fishing gear, this book also provides other useful information.
While Chapter 17 deals on the existing Philippine policies on the fishing gears, and on the management of fishing gears, Chapter 18 provides gear nomenclature, glossary, research partners and the list of references.
Over-all, I can say that this book is a very informative reference material on fishing gears in the Philippines.
Its usefulness will outlive its binding and the paper it uses.
I certainly like its cover design: very invocative.
However, it does not provide an index, although its table of contents can provide sufficient information on what page a certain fishing gear is discussed.
Imbaw: An Abstract-Bibliography
By
Melchor F. Cichon
August 26, 2006
Note
I have observed that lately biology students from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas and some researchers from the same University have become interested in imbaw, a mud clam, Anodontia edentula. This bivalve is common in mangrove areas and is a delicacy in Western Visayas, especially in Panay and Guimaras.
To help them find literature on this subject, I surfed the internet and luckily I found about six. I also checked the theses collection of the UPV, and I found some more. The results (16) of that search are found below.
As of this date, the focus of the research on this species is on its reproduction. We still have to know its behavior, culture, diseases and pests, ecology, feeding habits, handling and processing, physiology, economics, and life history. We also still have to know its enzymes. Aside from food, what other economic values can be produced from this bivalve?
Indeed, there are many more things to know about imbaw.
I challenge our researchers to find that out.
Through this search, I noticed that there are two species of imbaw: the Anodontia edentula and the Austriella corrugata. How are they different from each other, I still have to find that out.
The abstracts were written by the respective authors. I included them here as a public service to all those who are interested in this subject.
But if you have additional research work about this bivalve, please notify me through the Comment Post of this blog.
The theses are available at the CAS Ref/Serial Section of the College of Arts and Sciences Library, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo, Philippines.
1. Arboleda, Erika Anfone. 1999. Effect of sperm concentration on fertilization rate and the timing of early developmental stages of imbaw, (Anodontia edentula). 19 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. In this study, effect of sperm concentration to fertilization rate is investigated. Also, the timing of early developmental stages is done. Sperm concentration at seventy is most effective although not significantly different. In the range used, effect of sperm concentration to fertilization rate is broad. The concentration of ten sperm per egg is least effective and significantly different from all the rest. In developmental stages, polar body extrusion is observed after ten minutes from fertilization. Two-cell and four-cell is formed within an hour. After two hours, eight-cell and sixteen-cell stage is noted. The larval stage trocophore is already present after the fifteenth hour. The straight-hinge veliger can be observed after twenty four hours.
2. Dideles, Kristi Marie Joie. 2005. A preliminary study of sexual dimorphism and hermaphroditism occuring in the mud clam sp., Austriella corrugata (Deshayes, 1843). 2005. 33 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at CAS Ref./Serials. 75 leaves. Austriella corrugata, commonly known as imbaw laki, inhabits the muddy bottom of mangrove areas, or the adjacent mudflats. To date, there is only one reported study regarding this clam which is a potential aquaculture species. Further research on the biology and distribution of this clams can greatly contribute to the recognition of this species as an important source of food and income. Thus this study was conducted to gather preliminary investigation on the characterization of imbaw laki. Sexual dimorphism was found to be exhibited by A. corrugata which was determined by its shell morphology and gonad characterization. Maturity rates were last determined through gonadal biopsy and was noted to be constant throughout the sampling months. Monthly maturity rates was also correlated with the GSI values of the clams. Hermaphroditism was also found to be present in the clam population which was also determined through gonadal biopsy and histological examination of gonad sections.-"
3. Guevarra, Ann F. 2005. A preliminary study on fecundity measure of the mudclam Anodontia edentula. 26 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at CAS Ref./Serials. Fecundity measure of mud clam Anodontia edentula, locally known as "Imbaw" was the main focus on this study. The external characteristics of the clams such as the shell length width and height were measured. Eggs were also counted an its characteristics were also noted. Results show that there is direct relationship between the shell length and the number of eggs the clams produce. Moreover, it was observed that big clams with shell length that range from 40mm to 55mm are considered to be mature and thus produce large amount of eggs compared to clams which have shell length sizes that ranges from 22mm to 39.99mm. The big clams (40mm-55mm) obtained a higher fecundity with the value of 2,200,947 or 2.2x10 raise to the 6th power eggs compared small clams (22mm - 39.99mm) which only got 628,852 of 6.3 x 10 raise to the 5th power eggs. among the factors that affect fecundity, food availability and stress in the environment were found to affect the clams greatly.-"
4. Lacuesta, Vanessa Christine Y. 1999. Some aspects of the reproductive biology of Anodontia edentula Linne, 1758. 41 leaves. Undergraduate thesis. B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. Anodontia edentula also known as "Imbaw" is an important source of livelihood of some households in the province of Guimaras and in some parts of Panay. This study hoped to give more light on previous studies conducted on the reproductive biology of the species. The study aimed to established a criteria for assessing maturity of the gonads for induced spawning; compare the effectivity of gonad extract and serotonin to induce spawning; determine the number of eggs and the size of eggs spawned for females and the number of sperms spawned for males and to describe the histological appearance of gonad prior to spawning, spent and several days after spawning. The experiment was conducted from September 1998 to February 1999. The broodstock were acquired from barangay were acquired from barangay Lawi, Jorda, Guimaras and transported to the Institute of Aquaculture of the College of Fisheries, UPV, Miag-ao Iloilo. Only clams with shell length greater than or equal to 40mm were used for the experiment. The GSI and the biopsy technique were both employed as bases for assessing gonad maturity prior to induced spawning. Although the difference is insignificant, the GSI's and the ratios of stalked to unstalked oocytes of spawners were higher than nonspawners. For induced spawning, biological stimulation using gonad extract was more effective in terms of inducing female spawners (no. of eggs: 1.89 x 10 raised to the fourth power, egg diameter: 9.5 æ) than chemical stimulation using at least 2.5 mg/ml of serotonin ( no. of eggs : 5.35 x 10 raised to the third power; egg diameter : 8.6 æ ). Serotonin however was more effective in inducing sperm release (2.30 x 10 raised to the fifth power sperms/ml) in clams than the gonad extract (2.22 10 raised to the fourth power sperms/ml). Ripe gonads were an orange-white to creamy white color, turgid with a thin surface covering while spent gonads were flaccid and purplish in color. Histological analyses showed that prespawning males had mature spermatozoa free in the lumen while females had stalked oocytes undergoing vitellogenesis attached to follicular walls; mature, spherical oocytes were also observed. Spent clams had shrunken tubules with developing sperms lining the periphery. Spen female clams had collapsed follicles and only light stained residual oocytes remained at the periphery. An increase in the number of germ cells was observed in gonads several days after spawning.-"
5. Lebata, M. J. H. L. 2000. Elemental sulfur in the gills of the mangrove mud clam Anodontia edentula (family Lucinidae) Journal of Shellfish Research. 19(1):241-245, 2000 Jun.
6. Lebata, M. J. H. L. 2001. Elemental sulphur in the gills of the mangrove mud clam Anodontia edentula: evidence of symbiosis. Journal of Shellfish Research. 20(3):1273-1278, 2001 Dec.
7. Lebata, M. J. H. L. and J. H. Primavera. 2001. Gill structure, anatomy and habitat of Anodontia edentula: Evidence of endosymbiosis. Journal of Shellfish Research. 20(3):1273-1278, 2001
8. Lebata, M. J. H. L.2001. Oxygen, sulphide and nutrient uptake of the mangrove mud clam Anodontia edentula (Family : Lucinidae). Marine Pollution Bulletin. 42(11):1133-1138, 2001 Nov.
9. Millarez, Christian E. 2005. Sex ratio, spawning periodically and sexual dimorphism of the mud clam "imbaw", Anodontia edentula (Linne, 1758), from Nueva Valencia, Guimaras Islands. 37 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. The study was undertaken on one population of the local mud clam "imbao bayi", Anodontia edentula, to investigate sex ratio and maturity distribution of the population as well as the previously reported sexual dimorphism, spawning periodically and occurence of hermaphroditism. The samples were collected from Brgy. Lawi, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras between August until December, 2004. Results showed that females outnumber males in the population with very rare occurrence of hermaphroditism. In the histological section of the hermaprodite gonad, the female part seemed to be more prominent than the male part. Also, gonadal biopsy showed the population was dominated by mature males and immature females. The fluctuation of their occurrence in the population is related to the spawning activity of the clam. GSI trend confirmed the previous observation that gametogenesis occurred throughout the year and major spawning occurred in the month of Nov. and Dec. Moreover, sexual dimorphism seemed to be apparent in the population sampled; males have a more pointed, triangular umbo while females have a more curved umbo. However, the previously reported height and color dimorphism were found to be insignificant.-"
10. Primavera, J. H., M.J.H.L. Lebata, L. F. Gustilo and J. P. Altamirano. 2002. Collection of the clam Anodontia edentula in mangrove habitats in Panay and Guimaras, Central Philippines. Wetlands Ecol. Mgt. 10:363-370.
11. Samentar, Lorena P. 1997. A preliminary study of the reproductive biology of "Imbaw", Lucinoma annulata (Reeve, 1850).35 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. Lucinoma annulata, a mud clam locally known as "imbaw" is an important fishery resource which supports the livelihood of some households in Guimaras. Thus, to properly manage this important and fast disappearing resource, knowledge of its reproductive biology is necessary. This study aimed 1) to histoligically describe the gonads of Lucinoma annulata and 2) to determine spawning peaks and reproductive cycle of the mud clam. Monthly samples were collected from July 1996 to February 1997. After the determination of the length and the GSI the clams were processed histologically. Histological examination showed that Lucinoma annulata may either be a hermaphrodite or a female . However, hermaphrodites were more frequently encountered in clams with shell length 25mm to 40mm and also in clams with shell length greater than 55mm. Females were predominant in individuals with shell lengths greater than 40mm to 55 mm. Lucinoma annulata with size range from 25 mm to 70 mm in shell length were found to have either spermatozoa or vitellogenic oocytes in the gonad. However, in hermaphrodite specimens, the male system is the first to produce mature germ cells, which probably suggest a trend towards protandry. Data on GSI showed that the clam might be in active gametogenesis in October and November when GSI was high and spawned in December when GSI was relatively low. The presence of several small peaks implies that spawning is continous in this species. Moreover, the presence of juveniles in the mantle cavity of mature clams suggests brooding in this species. Hermaphroditism and brooding of the young observed in Lucinoma annulata may be an adaptation of this species to overcome difficulties in reproduction and survival.-"
12. Samentar, Lorena P., Minda J. Formacion and Jane S. Geduspan. 2004. Reproductive biology of the mud-dwelling clam, imbaw (Anodontia edentula) in guimaras Province, Central Philippines. UPV J. Nat. Sci. 9(2):217-228. Anodonta edentula, commonly known as imbaw, is an economically important clam found in mangrove areas in Guimaras, Central Philippines that supports the livelihood of many households in the area. To properly manage this economically important shellfish resource, the reproductive biology of this bivalve was studied for a one-year duration. The monthly mean gonadosomatic indices showed regular peaks suggesting that this species spawned throughout the year with highest peak from April to May probably followed by massive spawning thereafter. Histological observations revealed four categories of gonad condition, namely: developing, ripe, spawning and spent. The gonads are surrounded by thick muscular capsule. As the clams increased in shell length, the thickness of muscle and connective tissues dividing the gonads into compartments decreased in size accordingly. A. edentula reached sexual maturity at 35 mm shell length when gonads indicated predominance of either spermatozoa or mature oocytes. The specimens were either male or female, with an occasional
hermaphrodite.
13. Sorongon, Ida P. 1996. A preliminary study of the mollusk locally known as "Imbaw" 1. Characterization and determination of sexual dimorphism. 37 leaves. Undergraduate thesis. B.S. Biology, U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. The mollusk, locally known as "Imbaw" belonging to the family of Lucinidae refers to two species of bivalves, identified as Lucinoma annulata and Anodontia edentula under subfamily Myrteinae and Milthinae respectively. Each species has different morpholochical features as they differ in ridges, shell length, width, height, ligament or attachment of both valves and color of periostracum. Internally they differ in gonad color and size. In both species, sexes are separate although little differences can be observed in shell structure to distinguish the female from the male. Gonadal somatic index was found to be greater in females.-"
14. Taylor JD. Glover EA. 2005. Cryptic diversity of chemosymbiotic bivalves: a systematic revision of worldwide Anodontia (Moltusca : Bivalvia : Lucinidae) [Review] Systematics & Biodiversity. 3(3):281-338, 2005 Sep.
15. Teodosio, Joanne Ramos. 2004. A preliminary study of the gonadal maturation of "imbaw", Anodontia edentula (Linne, 1758). 28 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. The gonadal cycle of "imbaw", Anodontia edentula, a fast-growng mudclam was investigated by histological examination following spawning. This study provided preliminary information about the gonadal stages of imbaw. Gonads and gamete development were observed in imbaw every week after spawning for one month in clams with shell length from 45 mm to 55mm. The increase in the number and size of oocytes and sperm cells for both post-spawning ovary and testis indicates that gametogenesis restarted right away. The presence of residual oocytes after spawning suggests that this species is a partial spawner. Further observations shows that oocyte develops slower than in pserms and that oogenesis may occur in batches. The results suggest that the gametogenic for this species is continuous and mud clams can spawn year round.-"
16. Yu, Rosito D. Jr. 1997. Preliminary study of the gonadal development of "Imbaw Laki", Anodontia edentula (Linne', 1758). 1997. 33 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B. S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. The study aimed (1) To gather preliminary information on the sexual maturation of Anodontia edentula by histological descriptions of the gonad, (2) To correlate shell size with stage of gonadal development , and (3) To determine the size range at which sexual maturity is attained. (p)Eighty-one mud clams were obtained from Panubulon, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras and shell length, width, height, body and gonad weight were measured. The mud clams were categorized into Subclass 4 (60-70 mm) based on shell length. Three to five gonads were randomly selected from each subclass, processed histologically into serial slide sections, and examined under the microscope. Results suggest that Anodontia edentula is hermaphroditic and protandric such that the testicular region is sexually mature at shell lengths of 30mm or less, and the ovarian region at shell lengths of 50-60 mm. The GSI is inversely related to shell length such that as shell length increased, GSI decreased. This attributed to the shrinkage of tissue as spawning and release of gametes progress.-"
Melchor F. Cichon
August 26, 2006
Note
I have observed that lately biology students from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas and some researchers from the same University have become interested in imbaw, a mud clam, Anodontia edentula. This bivalve is common in mangrove areas and is a delicacy in Western Visayas, especially in Panay and Guimaras.
To help them find literature on this subject, I surfed the internet and luckily I found about six. I also checked the theses collection of the UPV, and I found some more. The results (16) of that search are found below.
As of this date, the focus of the research on this species is on its reproduction. We still have to know its behavior, culture, diseases and pests, ecology, feeding habits, handling and processing, physiology, economics, and life history. We also still have to know its enzymes. Aside from food, what other economic values can be produced from this bivalve?
Indeed, there are many more things to know about imbaw.
I challenge our researchers to find that out.
Through this search, I noticed that there are two species of imbaw: the Anodontia edentula and the Austriella corrugata. How are they different from each other, I still have to find that out.
The abstracts were written by the respective authors. I included them here as a public service to all those who are interested in this subject.
But if you have additional research work about this bivalve, please notify me through the Comment Post of this blog.
The theses are available at the CAS Ref/Serial Section of the College of Arts and Sciences Library, University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo, Philippines.
1. Arboleda, Erika Anfone. 1999. Effect of sperm concentration on fertilization rate and the timing of early developmental stages of imbaw, (Anodontia edentula). 19 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. In this study, effect of sperm concentration to fertilization rate is investigated. Also, the timing of early developmental stages is done. Sperm concentration at seventy is most effective although not significantly different. In the range used, effect of sperm concentration to fertilization rate is broad. The concentration of ten sperm per egg is least effective and significantly different from all the rest. In developmental stages, polar body extrusion is observed after ten minutes from fertilization. Two-cell and four-cell is formed within an hour. After two hours, eight-cell and sixteen-cell stage is noted. The larval stage trocophore is already present after the fifteenth hour. The straight-hinge veliger can be observed after twenty four hours.
2. Dideles, Kristi Marie Joie. 2005. A preliminary study of sexual dimorphism and hermaphroditism occuring in the mud clam sp., Austriella corrugata (Deshayes, 1843). 2005. 33 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at CAS Ref./Serials. 75 leaves. Austriella corrugata, commonly known as imbaw laki, inhabits the muddy bottom of mangrove areas, or the adjacent mudflats. To date, there is only one reported study regarding this clam which is a potential aquaculture species. Further research on the biology and distribution of this clams can greatly contribute to the recognition of this species as an important source of food and income. Thus this study was conducted to gather preliminary investigation on the characterization of imbaw laki. Sexual dimorphism was found to be exhibited by A. corrugata which was determined by its shell morphology and gonad characterization. Maturity rates were last determined through gonadal biopsy and was noted to be constant throughout the sampling months. Monthly maturity rates was also correlated with the GSI values of the clams. Hermaphroditism was also found to be present in the clam population which was also determined through gonadal biopsy and histological examination of gonad sections.-"
3. Guevarra, Ann F. 2005. A preliminary study on fecundity measure of the mudclam Anodontia edentula. 26 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at CAS Ref./Serials. Fecundity measure of mud clam Anodontia edentula, locally known as "Imbaw" was the main focus on this study. The external characteristics of the clams such as the shell length width and height were measured. Eggs were also counted an its characteristics were also noted. Results show that there is direct relationship between the shell length and the number of eggs the clams produce. Moreover, it was observed that big clams with shell length that range from 40mm to 55mm are considered to be mature and thus produce large amount of eggs compared to clams which have shell length sizes that ranges from 22mm to 39.99mm. The big clams (40mm-55mm) obtained a higher fecundity with the value of 2,200,947 or 2.2x10 raise to the 6th power eggs compared small clams (22mm - 39.99mm) which only got 628,852 of 6.3 x 10 raise to the 5th power eggs. among the factors that affect fecundity, food availability and stress in the environment were found to affect the clams greatly.-"
4. Lacuesta, Vanessa Christine Y. 1999. Some aspects of the reproductive biology of Anodontia edentula Linne, 1758. 41 leaves. Undergraduate thesis. B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. Anodontia edentula also known as "Imbaw" is an important source of livelihood of some households in the province of Guimaras and in some parts of Panay. This study hoped to give more light on previous studies conducted on the reproductive biology of the species. The study aimed to established a criteria for assessing maturity of the gonads for induced spawning; compare the effectivity of gonad extract and serotonin to induce spawning; determine the number of eggs and the size of eggs spawned for females and the number of sperms spawned for males and to describe the histological appearance of gonad prior to spawning, spent and several days after spawning. The experiment was conducted from September 1998 to February 1999. The broodstock were acquired from barangay were acquired from barangay Lawi, Jorda, Guimaras and transported to the Institute of Aquaculture of the College of Fisheries, UPV, Miag-ao Iloilo. Only clams with shell length greater than or equal to 40mm were used for the experiment. The GSI and the biopsy technique were both employed as bases for assessing gonad maturity prior to induced spawning. Although the difference is insignificant, the GSI's and the ratios of stalked to unstalked oocytes of spawners were higher than nonspawners. For induced spawning, biological stimulation using gonad extract was more effective in terms of inducing female spawners (no. of eggs: 1.89 x 10 raised to the fourth power, egg diameter: 9.5 æ) than chemical stimulation using at least 2.5 mg/ml of serotonin ( no. of eggs : 5.35 x 10 raised to the third power; egg diameter : 8.6 æ ). Serotonin however was more effective in inducing sperm release (2.30 x 10 raised to the fifth power sperms/ml) in clams than the gonad extract (2.22 10 raised to the fourth power sperms/ml). Ripe gonads were an orange-white to creamy white color, turgid with a thin surface covering while spent gonads were flaccid and purplish in color. Histological analyses showed that prespawning males had mature spermatozoa free in the lumen while females had stalked oocytes undergoing vitellogenesis attached to follicular walls; mature, spherical oocytes were also observed. Spent clams had shrunken tubules with developing sperms lining the periphery. Spen female clams had collapsed follicles and only light stained residual oocytes remained at the periphery. An increase in the number of germ cells was observed in gonads several days after spawning.-"
5. Lebata, M. J. H. L. 2000. Elemental sulfur in the gills of the mangrove mud clam Anodontia edentula (family Lucinidae) Journal of Shellfish Research. 19(1):241-245, 2000 Jun.
6. Lebata, M. J. H. L. 2001. Elemental sulphur in the gills of the mangrove mud clam Anodontia edentula: evidence of symbiosis. Journal of Shellfish Research. 20(3):1273-1278, 2001 Dec.
7. Lebata, M. J. H. L. and J. H. Primavera. 2001. Gill structure, anatomy and habitat of Anodontia edentula: Evidence of endosymbiosis. Journal of Shellfish Research. 20(3):1273-1278, 2001
8. Lebata, M. J. H. L.2001. Oxygen, sulphide and nutrient uptake of the mangrove mud clam Anodontia edentula (Family : Lucinidae). Marine Pollution Bulletin. 42(11):1133-1138, 2001 Nov.
9. Millarez, Christian E. 2005. Sex ratio, spawning periodically and sexual dimorphism of the mud clam "imbaw", Anodontia edentula (Linne, 1758), from Nueva Valencia, Guimaras Islands. 37 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. The study was undertaken on one population of the local mud clam "imbao bayi", Anodontia edentula, to investigate sex ratio and maturity distribution of the population as well as the previously reported sexual dimorphism, spawning periodically and occurence of hermaphroditism. The samples were collected from Brgy. Lawi, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras between August until December, 2004. Results showed that females outnumber males in the population with very rare occurrence of hermaphroditism. In the histological section of the hermaprodite gonad, the female part seemed to be more prominent than the male part. Also, gonadal biopsy showed the population was dominated by mature males and immature females. The fluctuation of their occurrence in the population is related to the spawning activity of the clam. GSI trend confirmed the previous observation that gametogenesis occurred throughout the year and major spawning occurred in the month of Nov. and Dec. Moreover, sexual dimorphism seemed to be apparent in the population sampled; males have a more pointed, triangular umbo while females have a more curved umbo. However, the previously reported height and color dimorphism were found to be insignificant.-"
10. Primavera, J. H., M.J.H.L. Lebata, L. F. Gustilo and J. P. Altamirano. 2002. Collection of the clam Anodontia edentula in mangrove habitats in Panay and Guimaras, Central Philippines. Wetlands Ecol. Mgt. 10:363-370.
11. Samentar, Lorena P. 1997. A preliminary study of the reproductive biology of "Imbaw", Lucinoma annulata (Reeve, 1850).35 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. Lucinoma annulata, a mud clam locally known as "imbaw" is an important fishery resource which supports the livelihood of some households in Guimaras. Thus, to properly manage this important and fast disappearing resource, knowledge of its reproductive biology is necessary. This study aimed 1) to histoligically describe the gonads of Lucinoma annulata and 2) to determine spawning peaks and reproductive cycle of the mud clam. Monthly samples were collected from July 1996 to February 1997. After the determination of the length and the GSI the clams were processed histologically. Histological examination showed that Lucinoma annulata may either be a hermaphrodite or a female . However, hermaphrodites were more frequently encountered in clams with shell length 25mm to 40mm and also in clams with shell length greater than 55mm. Females were predominant in individuals with shell lengths greater than 40mm to 55 mm. Lucinoma annulata with size range from 25 mm to 70 mm in shell length were found to have either spermatozoa or vitellogenic oocytes in the gonad. However, in hermaphrodite specimens, the male system is the first to produce mature germ cells, which probably suggest a trend towards protandry. Data on GSI showed that the clam might be in active gametogenesis in October and November when GSI was high and spawned in December when GSI was relatively low. The presence of several small peaks implies that spawning is continous in this species. Moreover, the presence of juveniles in the mantle cavity of mature clams suggests brooding in this species. Hermaphroditism and brooding of the young observed in Lucinoma annulata may be an adaptation of this species to overcome difficulties in reproduction and survival.-"
12. Samentar, Lorena P., Minda J. Formacion and Jane S. Geduspan. 2004. Reproductive biology of the mud-dwelling clam, imbaw (Anodontia edentula) in guimaras Province, Central Philippines. UPV J. Nat. Sci. 9(2):217-228. Anodonta edentula, commonly known as imbaw, is an economically important clam found in mangrove areas in Guimaras, Central Philippines that supports the livelihood of many households in the area. To properly manage this economically important shellfish resource, the reproductive biology of this bivalve was studied for a one-year duration. The monthly mean gonadosomatic indices showed regular peaks suggesting that this species spawned throughout the year with highest peak from April to May probably followed by massive spawning thereafter. Histological observations revealed four categories of gonad condition, namely: developing, ripe, spawning and spent. The gonads are surrounded by thick muscular capsule. As the clams increased in shell length, the thickness of muscle and connective tissues dividing the gonads into compartments decreased in size accordingly. A. edentula reached sexual maturity at 35 mm shell length when gonads indicated predominance of either spermatozoa or mature oocytes. The specimens were either male or female, with an occasional
hermaphrodite.
13. Sorongon, Ida P. 1996. A preliminary study of the mollusk locally known as "Imbaw" 1. Characterization and determination of sexual dimorphism. 37 leaves. Undergraduate thesis. B.S. Biology, U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. The mollusk, locally known as "Imbaw" belonging to the family of Lucinidae refers to two species of bivalves, identified as Lucinoma annulata and Anodontia edentula under subfamily Myrteinae and Milthinae respectively. Each species has different morpholochical features as they differ in ridges, shell length, width, height, ligament or attachment of both valves and color of periostracum. Internally they differ in gonad color and size. In both species, sexes are separate although little differences can be observed in shell structure to distinguish the female from the male. Gonadal somatic index was found to be greater in females.-"
14. Taylor JD. Glover EA. 2005. Cryptic diversity of chemosymbiotic bivalves: a systematic revision of worldwide Anodontia (Moltusca : Bivalvia : Lucinidae) [Review] Systematics & Biodiversity. 3(3):281-338, 2005 Sep.
15. Teodosio, Joanne Ramos. 2004. A preliminary study of the gonadal maturation of "imbaw", Anodontia edentula (Linne, 1758). 28 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B.S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. The gonadal cycle of "imbaw", Anodontia edentula, a fast-growng mudclam was investigated by histological examination following spawning. This study provided preliminary information about the gonadal stages of imbaw. Gonads and gamete development were observed in imbaw every week after spawning for one month in clams with shell length from 45 mm to 55mm. The increase in the number and size of oocytes and sperm cells for both post-spawning ovary and testis indicates that gametogenesis restarted right away. The presence of residual oocytes after spawning suggests that this species is a partial spawner. Further observations shows that oocyte develops slower than in pserms and that oogenesis may occur in batches. The results suggest that the gametogenic for this species is continuous and mud clams can spawn year round.-"
16. Yu, Rosito D. Jr. 1997. Preliminary study of the gonadal development of "Imbaw Laki", Anodontia edentula (Linne', 1758). 1997. 33 leaves. Undergraduate thesis-B. S. Biology-U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo. Available at: CAS Ref./Serials. The study aimed (1) To gather preliminary information on the sexual maturation of Anodontia edentula by histological descriptions of the gonad, (2) To correlate shell size with stage of gonadal development , and (3) To determine the size range at which sexual maturity is attained. (p)Eighty-one mud clams were obtained from Panubulon, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras and shell length, width, height, body and gonad weight were measured. The mud clams were categorized into Subclass 4 (60-70 mm) based on shell length. Three to five gonads were randomly selected from each subclass, processed histologically into serial slide sections, and examined under the microscope. Results suggest that Anodontia edentula is hermaphroditic and protandric such that the testicular region is sexually mature at shell lengths of 30mm or less, and the ovarian region at shell lengths of 50-60 mm. The GSI is inversely related to shell length such that as shell length increased, GSI decreased. This attributed to the shrinkage of tissue as spawning and release of gametes progress.-"
Muro Ami, the Fishing Gear
By
Melchor F. Cichon
August 29, 2005
This writer is very grateful that the muro ami, the fishing gear, has been banned in the Philippines. this is specified in Sec. 92 of the Philippine fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550), which says that:
Sec. 92. ban on Muro-ami, Other Methods and Gear Destructive to Coral Reefs and Other Marine Habitat. It shall be unlawful for any person, natural or juridical, to fish with gear method that destroys coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other fishery marine life habitat as may be determined by the Deaprtment. "Muro-Ami" and any of its variation, ansd such similar gear and methods that require diving, other physical or mechanical ascts pound the coral reefs and other habitat to entrap, gather or catch fish and other fishery species are also prohibited."
But it cannot be denied that this fishing gear is one of the most productive fishing gears in the country.
If we look at the fisheries statistics, muro ami was the top four fishing gears in the country before the 1981s.
Fishing Gears…..Production (in kilograms)
Purse seine…..168,918,000
Bag net…..107,229,000
Ring net …..39,774,000
Muro ami…..10,058,000
Hook and line….. 5,923,000
Push net …..5,336,000
Gill net…..2,350,000
Round hawl seine …..1,817,000
Long line…..1,170,000
Beach seine…..510,000
Despite its great production and the number of fishermen it employed, muro ami was also one of the most controversial fishing gears in our country. It contributed in the destruction of coral reefs.
According to Tacio, this drive-in net was introduced by the Okinawan fishermen before World War II. It is used for fishing in coral reefs. It has two long wings which are driven by divers to lead the fish to the main net. It has vertical scarelines weighed down by stones or chain links that create noise or disturbance on the corals. This drives out the fish from the coral reef to the net.
According to Dr. Angel Alcala, each muro-ami uses 10 to 150 swimmers that use scare lines attached to an oval rock weighing 4 to 5 kg. The swimmers repeatedly drop the rocks on hard corals as they move towards the bag net. This procedure creates noise and disturbance at the sea bottom, driving schooling and bottom-dwelling fish towards the bag-net, but in the process, it breaks branching and other delicate hard corals.
The divers are usually children wearing nothing but a pair of goggles.
Because of this system, much coral fishes are caught, and much corals are also destroyed.
Below is the production of muro ami since 1949 up to 1987. After 1987, no production of this fishing gear has been reported because the Philippine government has banned it
Year…..Production (in kg)
1949...1,485,260
1950...331,905
1951...693,942
1952...14,490
1953...85,509
1954...532,308
1955..2,109,777
1956...5,874,465
1957...11,738,835
1958...10,045,524
1959...7,750,880
1960...9,572,740
1961...9,362,490
1962...10,878,010
1963...11,622,240
1964...18,320,720
1965...14,160,000
1966...11,722,280
1967...10,246,320
1968...16,641,960
1969...19,307,480
1970...16,832,480
1971...17,893,520
1972...16,827,140
1973...26,475,000
1974...24,033,730
1975...18,992,400
1976...13,799,970
1977...10,523,000
1978...6,283,000
1979...11,671,000
1980...Not available(na)
1981...10,058,000
1982...10,367,000
1983...8,694,000
1984...na
1985...na
1986...na
1987...11,491,000
According to a report, marine biologists Ken Carpenter and Angel Alcala conducted a study on muro-ami in l977 and they found out that "50 divers operating the gear could damage as much as l7 square meters per hectare of coral reef per operation. A muro-ami fishing boat usually operates 3-4 times in a fishing season.
While he admitted that muro-ami is an effective fishing gear, Dr Rafael D.Guerrero III of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development cited some dis-advantages.
"The problems related to muro-ami fishing are its employment of minors (young boys) for fishing, their exposure to health hazards (like the "bends" or narcosis) and the destruction of coral reefs because of the weighted scarelines."
What happens if the corals are destroyed? Definitely, there will no more shelter area and feeding place for fishes, and so they have to look for another feeding place. That is if they have not been caught yet, and if there are still available coral reefs.
As of 1990, only about 5% of our coral reefs are in excellent condition; the rest are either in fair to poor condition.
It was said that the Philippine coral reefs provide food and shelter to as many 2,000 fish species living in it.
It also serves as a buffer against the impact of waves.
Some plants and animals that live in coral reefs are sources of anti-cancer drugs and valuable products.
Lastly, coral reefs attract tourists.
Looking back, perhaps the government should devise a scheme that would utilize the same principle being used in muro-ami in catching fish, except that the dragging device is not stone or metal so that the coral reefs would not be destroyed. Perhaps sound waves from other devices would be developed to scare away fishes from the coral reefs.
An alternative fishing gear was devised, the pa-aling, to replace muro-ami. But it was also found out that it is as destructive as the muro-ami.
This writer does not know if this fishing gear was also banned. If it is not, then it is high time that it should be.
Sources
Henrylito D. Tacio. "Where has all the coral gone?" http://www.peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=1716&PHPSESSID=26aa907ad49570378b63f1c4cae97fb5, retrieved: June 21, 2005)
Hall, Howard. " Muro Ami." http://www.howardhall.com/stories/muro_ami.html. retrieved: June 21, 2005
"Our coral reefs." PCMRD Currents. August 1999.
Philippine News Agency. "Human folly blamed for coral reef destruction in RP Environmental."
Melchor F. Cichon
August 29, 2005
This writer is very grateful that the muro ami, the fishing gear, has been banned in the Philippines. this is specified in Sec. 92 of the Philippine fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550), which says that:
Sec. 92. ban on Muro-ami, Other Methods and Gear Destructive to Coral Reefs and Other Marine Habitat. It shall be unlawful for any person, natural or juridical, to fish with gear method that destroys coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other fishery marine life habitat as may be determined by the Deaprtment. "Muro-Ami" and any of its variation, ansd such similar gear and methods that require diving, other physical or mechanical ascts pound the coral reefs and other habitat to entrap, gather or catch fish and other fishery species are also prohibited."
But it cannot be denied that this fishing gear is one of the most productive fishing gears in the country.
If we look at the fisheries statistics, muro ami was the top four fishing gears in the country before the 1981s.
Fishing Gears…..Production (in kilograms)
Purse seine…..168,918,000
Bag net…..107,229,000
Ring net …..39,774,000
Muro ami…..10,058,000
Hook and line….. 5,923,000
Push net …..5,336,000
Gill net…..2,350,000
Round hawl seine …..1,817,000
Long line…..1,170,000
Beach seine…..510,000
Despite its great production and the number of fishermen it employed, muro ami was also one of the most controversial fishing gears in our country. It contributed in the destruction of coral reefs.
According to Tacio, this drive-in net was introduced by the Okinawan fishermen before World War II. It is used for fishing in coral reefs. It has two long wings which are driven by divers to lead the fish to the main net. It has vertical scarelines weighed down by stones or chain links that create noise or disturbance on the corals. This drives out the fish from the coral reef to the net.
According to Dr. Angel Alcala, each muro-ami uses 10 to 150 swimmers that use scare lines attached to an oval rock weighing 4 to 5 kg. The swimmers repeatedly drop the rocks on hard corals as they move towards the bag net. This procedure creates noise and disturbance at the sea bottom, driving schooling and bottom-dwelling fish towards the bag-net, but in the process, it breaks branching and other delicate hard corals.
The divers are usually children wearing nothing but a pair of goggles.
Because of this system, much coral fishes are caught, and much corals are also destroyed.
Below is the production of muro ami since 1949 up to 1987. After 1987, no production of this fishing gear has been reported because the Philippine government has banned it
Year…..Production (in kg)
1949...1,485,260
1950...331,905
1951...693,942
1952...14,490
1953...85,509
1954...532,308
1955..2,109,777
1956...5,874,465
1957...11,738,835
1958...10,045,524
1959...7,750,880
1960...9,572,740
1961...9,362,490
1962...10,878,010
1963...11,622,240
1964...18,320,720
1965...14,160,000
1966...11,722,280
1967...10,246,320
1968...16,641,960
1969...19,307,480
1970...16,832,480
1971...17,893,520
1972...16,827,140
1973...26,475,000
1974...24,033,730
1975...18,992,400
1976...13,799,970
1977...10,523,000
1978...6,283,000
1979...11,671,000
1980...Not available(na)
1981...10,058,000
1982...10,367,000
1983...8,694,000
1984...na
1985...na
1986...na
1987...11,491,000
According to a report, marine biologists Ken Carpenter and Angel Alcala conducted a study on muro-ami in l977 and they found out that "50 divers operating the gear could damage as much as l7 square meters per hectare of coral reef per operation. A muro-ami fishing boat usually operates 3-4 times in a fishing season.
While he admitted that muro-ami is an effective fishing gear, Dr Rafael D.Guerrero III of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development cited some dis-advantages.
"The problems related to muro-ami fishing are its employment of minors (young boys) for fishing, their exposure to health hazards (like the "bends" or narcosis) and the destruction of coral reefs because of the weighted scarelines."
What happens if the corals are destroyed? Definitely, there will no more shelter area and feeding place for fishes, and so they have to look for another feeding place. That is if they have not been caught yet, and if there are still available coral reefs.
As of 1990, only about 5% of our coral reefs are in excellent condition; the rest are either in fair to poor condition.
It was said that the Philippine coral reefs provide food and shelter to as many 2,000 fish species living in it.
It also serves as a buffer against the impact of waves.
Some plants and animals that live in coral reefs are sources of anti-cancer drugs and valuable products.
Lastly, coral reefs attract tourists.
Looking back, perhaps the government should devise a scheme that would utilize the same principle being used in muro-ami in catching fish, except that the dragging device is not stone or metal so that the coral reefs would not be destroyed. Perhaps sound waves from other devices would be developed to scare away fishes from the coral reefs.
An alternative fishing gear was devised, the pa-aling, to replace muro-ami. But it was also found out that it is as destructive as the muro-ami.
This writer does not know if this fishing gear was also banned. If it is not, then it is high time that it should be.
Sources
Henrylito D. Tacio. "Where has all the coral gone?" http://www.peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=1716&PHPSESSID=26aa907ad49570378b63f1c4cae97fb5, retrieved: June 21, 2005)
Hall, Howard. " Muro Ami." http://www.howardhall.com/stories/muro_ami.html. retrieved: June 21, 2005
"Our coral reefs." PCMRD Currents. August 1999.
Philippine News Agency. "Human folly blamed for coral reef destruction in RP Environmental."
The Parable of the Missing Book
by
Melchor F. Cichon
Monday is almost always a busy day in the library.
It is the time when students would return the reserve books they borrowed the week before, and reserve books anew for the next day.
One mid-Monday morning, one of the staff of a library noted that a reserve book has not been returned by Jane, not her real name. It turned out that that particular book was the only copy available in the library. And some students would like to borrow it because they would have a test the following day.
Later in the day, the staff saw Jane. She asked her of the book. Jane asked the staff when the book was borrowed.
"Last Saturday."
"But Ma’am", said Jane, "I was in Antique last Saturday. So I could not possibly borrow it. You can see on the list of students who came to the library that Saturday."
The staff checked the attendance. Jane’s name was not there. But the name of a certain Josephine appeared in the list. Josephine belongs to the same school where Jane studied and they were not in good terms.
"Can I see the book card, Ma'am?"
"Look Ma’am,’ this is not my ID Number, and beside that is not the way I write my name. Somebody else must have borrowed it. But definitely not me!"
"Right," said the staff, "the ID number here lacks one digit—there are only six instead of 7."
The staff requested Jane to help find the culprit.
"O.K. Ma’am."
The staff informed her supervisor of the missing book.
The supervisor inquired how it happened.
Early Saturday morning, a female student came to the staff to reserve a book. The student was asked to fill-up a reservation slip. Since it was Saturday the policy of the library was to issue the reserve book immediately after it has been reserved.
At that time, the book was still being used by a student from the other college. And since the book had been reserved by someone else, it has to be given to the person who reserved it.
Because of confidence, the staff issued the book to Jane without even asking for her ID card.
But the problem is the staff could not remember the name of the student who signed out the book. Nor her face.
The following day, the news of the missing book was all over the college where the book was being used.
Fortunately, it came to the attention of the student who was using it before it was issued to a female student. The problem was he did not know her name, although he could recognize her once he saw her again.
Another student came and informed the supervisor of her knowledge of the missing book. She was around when the book was issued to the student and she mentioned her name, Josephine.
When the supervisor learned about this, he called for Josephine to come to his office.
Josephine came the following day.
When the supervisor asked her about the missing book, she denied. She was somewhere else that day.
But the supervisor showed her signature in the list of library users that particular Saturday. The supervisor further told her that somebody saw her signed the book card and when the library staff gave the book to her.
Josephine just kept quite.
Then she said, I could not have taken it out illegally.
The supervisor told her to bring her parents on a particular day and time to the University Librarian for a meeting.
The supervisor also informed Jane to bring her parents to the University Librarian for the same purpose.
After this, the supervisor briefed the university librarian on the missing book and that the parents of both Jane and Josephine would come for a meeting with her on that particular time and day. The witnesses were also informed to attend the said meeting to shed light on the matter.
Prior to the meeting, the mother of Josephine texted Jane. She was asking for an apology of what had happened.
The day of the meeting came.
All the important characters were present: Jane and Josephine, their respective parents, the two witnesses, the library staff who issued the book, the university librarian and the supervisor.
It turned out that the parents of Jane and Josephine are friends, and that Jane and Josephine were friends when they were still in high school.
After presenting the evidences: the book card, the overnight reservation slip, attendance sheet of those students who used the library, the supervisor presented the witnesses to. After they testified, the mother of Josephine informed the group that indeed it was her daughter who checked out the book, except that the book got lost. But they are willing to pay the whole price and they requested that the matter should no longer be brought somewhere else.
After the testimony of Josephine’s mother, she was told to ask for forgiveness.
And Jane and Josephine hugged each other.
When Jane was asked why she took out the book illegally, she said that she has a grudge on Jane because one time Jane marked her absent in a certain activity. Josephine said that Jane was not really around in that activity.
What lessons can be learned from this incident?
Never trust all your users. Some maybe honest, but others are not.
Checking of ID card is a must before any library is issued to the borrower.
Be friendly to students because someday they might help you solve your problem.
Be vigilant.
Melchor F. Cichon
Monday is almost always a busy day in the library.
It is the time when students would return the reserve books they borrowed the week before, and reserve books anew for the next day.
One mid-Monday morning, one of the staff of a library noted that a reserve book has not been returned by Jane, not her real name. It turned out that that particular book was the only copy available in the library. And some students would like to borrow it because they would have a test the following day.
Later in the day, the staff saw Jane. She asked her of the book. Jane asked the staff when the book was borrowed.
"Last Saturday."
"But Ma’am", said Jane, "I was in Antique last Saturday. So I could not possibly borrow it. You can see on the list of students who came to the library that Saturday."
The staff checked the attendance. Jane’s name was not there. But the name of a certain Josephine appeared in the list. Josephine belongs to the same school where Jane studied and they were not in good terms.
"Can I see the book card, Ma'am?"
"Look Ma’am,’ this is not my ID Number, and beside that is not the way I write my name. Somebody else must have borrowed it. But definitely not me!"
"Right," said the staff, "the ID number here lacks one digit—there are only six instead of 7."
The staff requested Jane to help find the culprit.
"O.K. Ma’am."
The staff informed her supervisor of the missing book.
The supervisor inquired how it happened.
Early Saturday morning, a female student came to the staff to reserve a book. The student was asked to fill-up a reservation slip. Since it was Saturday the policy of the library was to issue the reserve book immediately after it has been reserved.
At that time, the book was still being used by a student from the other college. And since the book had been reserved by someone else, it has to be given to the person who reserved it.
Because of confidence, the staff issued the book to Jane without even asking for her ID card.
But the problem is the staff could not remember the name of the student who signed out the book. Nor her face.
The following day, the news of the missing book was all over the college where the book was being used.
Fortunately, it came to the attention of the student who was using it before it was issued to a female student. The problem was he did not know her name, although he could recognize her once he saw her again.
Another student came and informed the supervisor of her knowledge of the missing book. She was around when the book was issued to the student and she mentioned her name, Josephine.
When the supervisor learned about this, he called for Josephine to come to his office.
Josephine came the following day.
When the supervisor asked her about the missing book, she denied. She was somewhere else that day.
But the supervisor showed her signature in the list of library users that particular Saturday. The supervisor further told her that somebody saw her signed the book card and when the library staff gave the book to her.
Josephine just kept quite.
Then she said, I could not have taken it out illegally.
The supervisor told her to bring her parents on a particular day and time to the University Librarian for a meeting.
The supervisor also informed Jane to bring her parents to the University Librarian for the same purpose.
After this, the supervisor briefed the university librarian on the missing book and that the parents of both Jane and Josephine would come for a meeting with her on that particular time and day. The witnesses were also informed to attend the said meeting to shed light on the matter.
Prior to the meeting, the mother of Josephine texted Jane. She was asking for an apology of what had happened.
The day of the meeting came.
All the important characters were present: Jane and Josephine, their respective parents, the two witnesses, the library staff who issued the book, the university librarian and the supervisor.
It turned out that the parents of Jane and Josephine are friends, and that Jane and Josephine were friends when they were still in high school.
After presenting the evidences: the book card, the overnight reservation slip, attendance sheet of those students who used the library, the supervisor presented the witnesses to. After they testified, the mother of Josephine informed the group that indeed it was her daughter who checked out the book, except that the book got lost. But they are willing to pay the whole price and they requested that the matter should no longer be brought somewhere else.
After the testimony of Josephine’s mother, she was told to ask for forgiveness.
And Jane and Josephine hugged each other.
When Jane was asked why she took out the book illegally, she said that she has a grudge on Jane because one time Jane marked her absent in a certain activity. Josephine said that Jane was not really around in that activity.
What lessons can be learned from this incident?
Never trust all your users. Some maybe honest, but others are not.
Checking of ID card is a must before any library is issued to the borrower.
Be friendly to students because someday they might help you solve your problem.
Be vigilant.
Parable of the Sandwiches
The university librarian called for an emergency meeting to discuss how the university library staff would participate in the forthcoming university anniversary.
So the library was temporarily closed for a total participation of the staff in the meeting.
So the meeting was held.
For more than an hour the library staff discussed the activities.
Then they discussed on what to eat for lunch.
One staff said that the staff just buy food at the university canteen.
Then somebody said that they buy sandwiches from a known foodstand.
This was approved by the whole group. No question, except that a sandwich might not be enough for a lunch. But then nobody objected on the decision to buy sandwiches for lunch.
The next day, a staff member canvassed on the prices of the different sandwiches.
When he returned to the library, he told the administrative officer of the prices of the different kinds of sandwiches.
By then somebody changed her mind and refused to buy the sandwich. This encouraged other staff not to buy it.
The administrative officer had told everybody else about their decision not to buy sandwiches anymore, except the university librarian and the readers services head.
When the readers service head learned about it, he inquired why.
It turned out that one staff member from the technical section backed out from the agreed decision.
He just wondered why the university librarian did not act on this. It turned out that she herself did not know of the change of the decision.
When she knew it, she did not raise any voice.
Later it was decided that the group would just bring his/her own food.
The issue here is not on what to eat for lunch.
But on the implementation of a group decision and how the group decision was suddenly dropped without the approval of the group that made it.
And the lost library services to the students while the staff were discussing on what to eat for lunch--for nothing.
So the library was temporarily closed for a total participation of the staff in the meeting.
So the meeting was held.
For more than an hour the library staff discussed the activities.
Then they discussed on what to eat for lunch.
One staff said that the staff just buy food at the university canteen.
Then somebody said that they buy sandwiches from a known foodstand.
This was approved by the whole group. No question, except that a sandwich might not be enough for a lunch. But then nobody objected on the decision to buy sandwiches for lunch.
The next day, a staff member canvassed on the prices of the different sandwiches.
When he returned to the library, he told the administrative officer of the prices of the different kinds of sandwiches.
By then somebody changed her mind and refused to buy the sandwich. This encouraged other staff not to buy it.
The administrative officer had told everybody else about their decision not to buy sandwiches anymore, except the university librarian and the readers services head.
When the readers service head learned about it, he inquired why.
It turned out that one staff member from the technical section backed out from the agreed decision.
He just wondered why the university librarian did not act on this. It turned out that she herself did not know of the change of the decision.
When she knew it, she did not raise any voice.
Later it was decided that the group would just bring his/her own food.
The issue here is not on what to eat for lunch.
But on the implementation of a group decision and how the group decision was suddenly dropped without the approval of the group that made it.
And the lost library services to the students while the staff were discussing on what to eat for lunch--for nothing.
Vernon R. Totanes: the Filipino Blograrian
by
Melchor F. Cichon
July 27, 2006
He must have been influenced by his Ateneo elementary librarian for his decision to pursue a librarian profession.
Or it could be his real love for books and service to his fellowmen like his retired parents that he sticks to librarianship.
His mother, Mrs. Florentina Totanes, a retired public school teacher, taught him his ABCs and 123s, and his father, Major General Virgilio Totanes, who taught him how to read—with intelligence. He was born in Quezon City, 18 August 1973.
Whatever it is, Von, as he is fondly called by his friends, has elevated further the library profession in the Philippines by bringing closer the Filipino librarians to the world of the internet.
Or spefically, "it has brought Filipino librarians and libraries into the consciousness of people who just assumed that what they knew about us (librarians) was all they needed to know."
His website, Filipino Librarian (http://filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com ) and his blogging activities were given an international exposure when he delivered a paper, Blogging 101, in the General Conference of the Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians (Manila, Philippines, March 25-30, 2006).
In this paper, he expounded, among other things, the importance of blogging.
And it was through his blog that his name has become famous among bloggers, and his writing skill has improved.
Von is now in America on his way to Canada for his PhD degree at the University of Toronto this August.
Hopefully, he will be the next Filipino librarian with a PhD degree, although he said: "i haven't really been officially a librarian since i graduated and got my license in 2004... except on the blog. it's really ironic".
Melchor F. Cichon
July 27, 2006
He must have been influenced by his Ateneo elementary librarian for his decision to pursue a librarian profession.
Or it could be his real love for books and service to his fellowmen like his retired parents that he sticks to librarianship.
His mother, Mrs. Florentina Totanes, a retired public school teacher, taught him his ABCs and 123s, and his father, Major General Virgilio Totanes, who taught him how to read—with intelligence. He was born in Quezon City, 18 August 1973.
Whatever it is, Von, as he is fondly called by his friends, has elevated further the library profession in the Philippines by bringing closer the Filipino librarians to the world of the internet.
Or spefically, "it has brought Filipino librarians and libraries into the consciousness of people who just assumed that what they knew about us (librarians) was all they needed to know."
His website, Filipino Librarian (http://filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com ) and his blogging activities were given an international exposure when he delivered a paper, Blogging 101, in the General Conference of the Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians (Manila, Philippines, March 25-30, 2006).
In this paper, he expounded, among other things, the importance of blogging.
And it was through his blog that his name has become famous among bloggers, and his writing skill has improved.
Von is now in America on his way to Canada for his PhD degree at the University of Toronto this August.
Hopefully, he will be the next Filipino librarian with a PhD degree, although he said: "i haven't really been officially a librarian since i graduated and got my license in 2004... except on the blog. it's really ironic".
Parable of a Sweet Tongue
Every member of the library knows that Senag has a sweet tongue, yet she can make a deal with her co-workers. And when she is able to get what she wants, she will forget her promises. I do not know what power she has that she can twist the minds of her co-workers in her favor.
My wife called me up that she is allowing me to borrow money from our cooperative for Senag. So without any hesitations, I loaned five thousand pesos for Senag. She promised to pay the loan in a month's time.
Two months after, she has not paid the loan. She told me she was still waiting for her loan to be released by the GSIS. So I waited. But when her loan was released she just kept.
I noticed that she was always banging the door of the library when she gets inside or when she goes out. And she was always out of her desk--doing something else.
Six months passed and still she has not paid the loan under my name. She has many other reasons for not paying the loan.
And two years, still she has not paid the loan.
I prepared an agreement that she is responsible to pay the original loan plus its corresponding interest . She agreed. And she signed the document.
Three years after, she has not yet paid the loan. This time, she said she could not pay it because her daughter would go to Singapore as part of her practicum and so she needs money.
But when you look at this woman, she would always buy merienda as if she has no debt. She would wear new dresses. I just do not know whether she buys them in the ukay-ukay or somewhere else. She would always tell our co-workers that she had bought new things for their house.
I have been thinking of filing estapa case to this woman so that she would be forced to pay me and she would stop her unethical behavior.
But I do not know why I cannot even talk about it with a lawyer.
Meanwhile, I can not loan money from the cooperative because of my outstanding debt.
My wife called me up that she is allowing me to borrow money from our cooperative for Senag. So without any hesitations, I loaned five thousand pesos for Senag. She promised to pay the loan in a month's time.
Two months after, she has not paid the loan. She told me she was still waiting for her loan to be released by the GSIS. So I waited. But when her loan was released she just kept.
I noticed that she was always banging the door of the library when she gets inside or when she goes out. And she was always out of her desk--doing something else.
Six months passed and still she has not paid the loan under my name. She has many other reasons for not paying the loan.
And two years, still she has not paid the loan.
I prepared an agreement that she is responsible to pay the original loan plus its corresponding interest . She agreed. And she signed the document.
Three years after, she has not yet paid the loan. This time, she said she could not pay it because her daughter would go to Singapore as part of her practicum and so she needs money.
But when you look at this woman, she would always buy merienda as if she has no debt. She would wear new dresses. I just do not know whether she buys them in the ukay-ukay or somewhere else. She would always tell our co-workers that she had bought new things for their house.
I have been thinking of filing estapa case to this woman so that she would be forced to pay me and she would stop her unethical behavior.
But I do not know why I cannot even talk about it with a lawyer.
Meanwhile, I can not loan money from the cooperative because of my outstanding debt.
The Parable of a Friendly Student
Raymond, a fourth year college student, has always been coming to the library not only to read and borrow books but also to meet friends. He would often ask me reference questions on fisheries, and since I am a fisheries graduate myself, I can easily give him the materials he needs. If I could not find one, I would refer him to the SEAFDEC-AQD Library in Tigbauan, Iloilo. This library has a vast collection of materials on fisheries. And the chief librarian of this fisheries institution is an old friend of mine, so I find no difficulty in asking her help.
Since Raymond has been familiar to me, he has become a sort of friend like other students. So I trusted him with some reservations, of course.
He would freely browse our collection of books and journals, just like any other students in our library.
One morning, Raymond saw the exhibit of books and a school organ I displayed along our corridor. These materials could be seen through our glass divider.
He got inside the library and proceeded to the displayed materials. Then he came to me and asked me if he could photo-copy one of the displayed books. I told him, he could.
But he changed his mind. And he put back to the display the book that he showed me. Then he left the library.
Suddenly it came to my mind to see the displayed materials.
I suddenly noticed that the first page of the school organ, Pagbutlak, was missing.
I went out and checked whether he was still around.
He was gone.
Immediately, I informed my colleagues about the missing page one, and the person who probably has taken it out without permission.
Few minutes after, Raymond came to me and asked me why I wanted to talk to him. One of my co-workers had spotted him inside the library and he was informed that I wanted to talk to him.
I asked him why he took the first page of Pagbutlak.
He denied. I told him he was the only person who came to the library that morning.
And he acknowledged it.
He told me he did not go the displayed material.
But I told him, he even showed me the book he wanted to photocopy, which was one of the materials on display.
OK sir, he said.
But he still denied having taken the page.
I told him, he would just return it and that would be all right.
OK, he said, he would replace it with his old copy tomorrow.
OK, I said.
So I waited for him.
That was one week ago and he has not returned to me yet.
Since Raymond has been familiar to me, he has become a sort of friend like other students. So I trusted him with some reservations, of course.
He would freely browse our collection of books and journals, just like any other students in our library.
One morning, Raymond saw the exhibit of books and a school organ I displayed along our corridor. These materials could be seen through our glass divider.
He got inside the library and proceeded to the displayed materials. Then he came to me and asked me if he could photo-copy one of the displayed books. I told him, he could.
But he changed his mind. And he put back to the display the book that he showed me. Then he left the library.
Suddenly it came to my mind to see the displayed materials.
I suddenly noticed that the first page of the school organ, Pagbutlak, was missing.
I went out and checked whether he was still around.
He was gone.
Immediately, I informed my colleagues about the missing page one, and the person who probably has taken it out without permission.
Few minutes after, Raymond came to me and asked me why I wanted to talk to him. One of my co-workers had spotted him inside the library and he was informed that I wanted to talk to him.
I asked him why he took the first page of Pagbutlak.
He denied. I told him he was the only person who came to the library that morning.
And he acknowledged it.
He told me he did not go the displayed material.
But I told him, he even showed me the book he wanted to photocopy, which was one of the materials on display.
OK sir, he said.
But he still denied having taken the page.
I told him, he would just return it and that would be all right.
OK, he said, he would replace it with his old copy tomorrow.
OK, I said.
So I waited for him.
That was one week ago and he has not returned to me yet.
Book Review: Fish Processing Technology in the Trophics
A comprehensive book on fish processing technology in the trophics was written by Jasmin Espejo-Hermes. It was published in 1998 by Tawid Publications
All said, Espejo-Hermes is a specialist in tropical aquatic products, having had extensive experience in the handling, processing, product development, and marketing of fish and other aquatic products. She holds a Master of Science in Fisheries (Fish Processing Technology) from the College of Fisheries (now the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences), University of the Philippines.
As stated by Dr. Leonor M. Santos, the author's former professor at the University of the Philippines, in the Foreword, of this book "is a most welcome addition to the very few books by Filipino authors on this topic....The inclusion of procedures for products found in the tropics makes the book a valuable reference for teachers, students and extension workers. On the other hand, the author's review of research work on the different processing technologies, especially those undertaken locally, serves the researcher well."
The book is divided into 17 chapters.
Chapter 1 deals on the status of fish processing in the world, in the Philippines and other southeast Asian countries. It also gives basic information on the nutritional importance of aquatic products.
Chapter 2 focuses on the handling of fresh (wet) aquatic products. It points out how bacteria, enzymes, hygiene and sanitation can contribute in the spoilage of aquatic products.
Chapter 3 to 11 gives the various methods in preserving fishery products from chilling to canning.
Chapter 12 gives the types of additives and their purpose.
Chapter 13 discusses on minor aquatic products like seaweeds, fish oils, shark fins, jelly fish, fish protein concentrate, sea cucumber, fish meal, fish silage, and shells and shellcraft.
The rest of the chapters deal on marketing of aquatic products, packaging of aquatic products, quality assurance in fish processing and waste management.
In addition to some illustrations, this book carries a 14-page bibliography, appendices, and an accurate subject index.
If we look at it, this book really is a comprehensive one and it can be used not only as a reference material for fish technology classes but will also serve as a review material for the Professional Regulation Commission Board Exam in fisheries technology.
All said, Espejo-Hermes is a specialist in tropical aquatic products, having had extensive experience in the handling, processing, product development, and marketing of fish and other aquatic products. She holds a Master of Science in Fisheries (Fish Processing Technology) from the College of Fisheries (now the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences), University of the Philippines.
As stated by Dr. Leonor M. Santos, the author's former professor at the University of the Philippines, in the Foreword, of this book "is a most welcome addition to the very few books by Filipino authors on this topic....The inclusion of procedures for products found in the tropics makes the book a valuable reference for teachers, students and extension workers. On the other hand, the author's review of research work on the different processing technologies, especially those undertaken locally, serves the researcher well."
The book is divided into 17 chapters.
Chapter 1 deals on the status of fish processing in the world, in the Philippines and other southeast Asian countries. It also gives basic information on the nutritional importance of aquatic products.
Chapter 2 focuses on the handling of fresh (wet) aquatic products. It points out how bacteria, enzymes, hygiene and sanitation can contribute in the spoilage of aquatic products.
Chapter 3 to 11 gives the various methods in preserving fishery products from chilling to canning.
Chapter 12 gives the types of additives and their purpose.
Chapter 13 discusses on minor aquatic products like seaweeds, fish oils, shark fins, jelly fish, fish protein concentrate, sea cucumber, fish meal, fish silage, and shells and shellcraft.
The rest of the chapters deal on marketing of aquatic products, packaging of aquatic products, quality assurance in fish processing and waste management.
In addition to some illustrations, this book carries a 14-page bibliography, appendices, and an accurate subject index.
If we look at it, this book really is a comprehensive one and it can be used not only as a reference material for fish technology classes but will also serve as a review material for the Professional Regulation Commission Board Exam in fisheries technology.
Filipino Fisheries Scientists
So far there is no book that gives profiles of Filipino fisheries scientists.
Because of this, this writer started to write short profiles of Filipino fisheries scientists. Some of these profiles can now be read in my other blogspot: http://pinoyfishsci.com
I hope that these profiles can provide the felt need on the profiles of Filipino fisheries scientists.
Because of this, this writer started to write short profiles of Filipino fisheries scientists. Some of these profiles can now be read in my other blogspot: http://pinoyfishsci.com
I hope that these profiles can provide the felt need on the profiles of Filipino fisheries scientists.
Library Budget
Library budget is one of the many problems being encountered by librarians, fisheries librarians included.
And in allocating budget for each of the departments in the whole institution, usually the unit that gets the lowest is the library.
So how to get more budget for the library?
1. Utilize to the fullest what is given to you. If you do not spend the money allocated to your unit, then the administration will say that you do not need the money.
2. Prepare a project plan with the necessary back-up like a survey on the clientele needs, present capability of the organization, statistics of use. Use graphs for easy understanding.
3. Set a conference with your administrator or the head of the organization and present your problem. Be ready to bring your supporting materials. A visual aid can sometimes do magic.
4. Let your performance do the talking. Once your administrator has seen your work, then he/she will give you the needed budget.
5. If it is really difficult to get funding from your office, seek outside help. Contact your alumni and other friends.
6. Use the internet to ask for donations.
I know there are other ways to get more and higher budget.
If you have any technique to share, please send your comments.
And in allocating budget for each of the departments in the whole institution, usually the unit that gets the lowest is the library.
So how to get more budget for the library?
1. Utilize to the fullest what is given to you. If you do not spend the money allocated to your unit, then the administration will say that you do not need the money.
2. Prepare a project plan with the necessary back-up like a survey on the clientele needs, present capability of the organization, statistics of use. Use graphs for easy understanding.
3. Set a conference with your administrator or the head of the organization and present your problem. Be ready to bring your supporting materials. A visual aid can sometimes do magic.
4. Let your performance do the talking. Once your administrator has seen your work, then he/she will give you the needed budget.
5. If it is really difficult to get funding from your office, seek outside help. Contact your alumni and other friends.
6. Use the internet to ask for donations.
I know there are other ways to get more and higher budget.
If you have any technique to share, please send your comments.
Seaweeds of Panay
Seaweeds of Panay
A new book on the seaweeds of Panay was launched at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department in Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines on July 7, 2006.
Entitled Seaweeds of Panay, the book is the second edition by the same authors: A. Q. Hurtado, Ma. R. J. Luhan, and N. G. Guanzon, Jr. Except for Luhan, Hurtado and Guanzon used to work with SEAFDEC-AQD.
Dr. Hurtado was then a Senior Scientist of SEAFDEC-AQD and presently a Visiting Scientist of the Seaweed Program , Research Division of the department, while Dr. Guanzon, jr. was a Scientist I at SEAFDEC-AQD when he left the department in July 2004. He is now a professor of biology in the Life Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences at Central Philippines University, Iloilo City, Philippines.
Ms. Luhan is a Researcher at the Seaweed Project, Farming system and Ecology Section, of the department. She has a Master of Science in Fisheries Biology at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas in 1991.
This book is fully illustrated in living color.
Each species included in this book has its description, habitat, economic importance, and collection site.
A new book on the seaweeds of Panay was launched at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department in Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines on July 7, 2006.
Entitled Seaweeds of Panay, the book is the second edition by the same authors: A. Q. Hurtado, Ma. R. J. Luhan, and N. G. Guanzon, Jr. Except for Luhan, Hurtado and Guanzon used to work with SEAFDEC-AQD.
Dr. Hurtado was then a Senior Scientist of SEAFDEC-AQD and presently a Visiting Scientist of the Seaweed Program , Research Division of the department, while Dr. Guanzon, jr. was a Scientist I at SEAFDEC-AQD when he left the department in July 2004. He is now a professor of biology in the Life Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences at Central Philippines University, Iloilo City, Philippines.
Ms. Luhan is a Researcher at the Seaweed Project, Farming system and Ecology Section, of the department. She has a Master of Science in Fisheries Biology at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas in 1991.
This book is fully illustrated in living color.
Each species included in this book has its description, habitat, economic importance, and collection site.
Useful Fisheries Websites
Fisheries scientists are very discriminating as regards to their choice of information for their researches.
Since hard copies of fisheries journals are very costly, fisheries librarians resort to using free websties that can provide fulltext or abstracts of peer reviewed journals.
One such website is http://www.highwire.org.
This website provides fulltext articles from peer reviewed journals. Some of them of course are sold per article.
Another important website that provides free abstracts is http://www.sciencedirect.com.
There is another website which is very good for fisheries researchers and to those other researchers on the other sciences. Some articles provided in this website are in fulltext, the rest are abstracts. As far as I have searched, only scientific journals are included in the hits.
Try it: http://google.scholar.com
Since hard copies of fisheries journals are very costly, fisheries librarians resort to using free websties that can provide fulltext or abstracts of peer reviewed journals.
One such website is http://www.highwire.org.
This website provides fulltext articles from peer reviewed journals. Some of them of course are sold per article.
Another important website that provides free abstracts is http://www.sciencedirect.com.
There is another website which is very good for fisheries researchers and to those other researchers on the other sciences. Some articles provided in this website are in fulltext, the rest are abstracts. As far as I have searched, only scientific journals are included in the hits.
Try it: http://google.scholar.com
Why this Blog?
In 2006, I put up a blog on fisheries librarian. But I cannot update it anymore, although I can read its contents. Because of that I copied all its contents and selected those items which I think should be reprinted here.
Below is the reprint of the original write-up.--March 4, 2009
Why This Blog?
Fisheries is one of the most important industries in the Philippines.
For the past decades, thousands of Filipinos have been employed in various aspects of fisheries, from aquaculture, fish capture, sustainability, education to marketing of fisheries products. The Philippine Fisheries Profile, 2000, reports that "The 1990 Census of Population and Housing conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) indicated that the fishing industries provided empoloyment to about one million or twelve percent of the agriculture, fishery and forestry secttor labor force estimated to be 6,589,176 persons. In aquaculture, about 9.2% (74,537) fishfarmers were angeaged in different culture methods; municipal contributed 46.4% (374,408) and commercial fisheries, 44.4% (357,984)"
In each of these categories, and more, fisheries libraries and related information centers play a major role in making these activities effective and efficient.
But in the process of managing fisheries information, a lot of problems are encountered by fisheries librarians like library budget, staff management, clientele-library staff relationship, specific information and data, like fisheries, fisheries statistics, and many more.
Of course, there are a lot of happy things that happen in fisheries libraries or information centers.
It is for this reason that this blog was created: To provide information related to fisheries and aquatic sciences.
the Philippines and abroad, to share ideas to become partners in the development of fisheries in the Philippines.
Below is the reprint of the original write-up.--March 4, 2009
Why This Blog?
Fisheries is one of the most important industries in the Philippines.
For the past decades, thousands of Filipinos have been employed in various aspects of fisheries, from aquaculture, fish capture, sustainability, education to marketing of fisheries products. The Philippine Fisheries Profile, 2000, reports that "The 1990 Census of Population and Housing conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) indicated that the fishing industries provided empoloyment to about one million or twelve percent of the agriculture, fishery and forestry secttor labor force estimated to be 6,589,176 persons. In aquaculture, about 9.2% (74,537) fishfarmers were angeaged in different culture methods; municipal contributed 46.4% (374,408) and commercial fisheries, 44.4% (357,984)"
In each of these categories, and more, fisheries libraries and related information centers play a major role in making these activities effective and efficient.
But in the process of managing fisheries information, a lot of problems are encountered by fisheries librarians like library budget, staff management, clientele-library staff relationship, specific information and data, like fisheries, fisheries statistics, and many more.
Of course, there are a lot of happy things that happen in fisheries libraries or information centers.
It is for this reason that this blog was created: To provide information related to fisheries and aquatic sciences.
the Philippines and abroad, to share ideas to become partners in the development of fisheries in the Philippines.
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