Grouper Culture and Otoshi-ami Fishing Projects of Fisherfolk Cooperatives: Can they be Sustained?
By Didi B. Baticados
ABSTRACT
Sustained alternate livelihood projects of fisherfolk cooperatives increase members' income and reduce the pressure on fishery resources. Livelihood projects of fifteen fisherfolk cooperatives in Panay, central Philippines were evaluated to determine the factors affecting their success or failure. Specifically, the study focused on grouper culture and otoshi-ami fishing for their high capital inputs. Otoshi-ami or set net is a Japanese fishing gear installed in coastal waters at 25-35 m deep that resembles like a bamboo trap, but differs mainly in the materials and method of construction. Results indicated that secure tenurial rights improve the viability of small-scale fishers' livelihood projects, particularly the grouper culture and otoshi-ami fishing. Poor management and inadequate record keeping, on the other hand, were the major impediments to cooperative success. Comparison between grouper culture and otoshi-ami fishing operations will be discussed. Project performance is measured in terms of sustainability, efficiency, and equity.
The study also examined the attitude of 159 cooperative members, randomly selected, toward coastal aquaculture using a pre-tested interview schedule. About 73% of the members showed significant (p less than 0.05) preference to family-based enterprise over other form of business organizations. Fisher-members preferred water-based activities (58%) than the land-based activities (42%). This suggests that fishers are not adverse to do other jobs if these are closely related to their occupational inclination. Thus, coastal aquaculture, preferably requiring low capital inputs like seaweed farming, can be introduced and sustained by fishers.
KEYWORDS: grouper culture, otoshi-ami fishing, fisherfolk cooperatives
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