Implementation of marine-protected area in San Jose, Antique: A social analysis

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the marine protected area (MPA) implementation in San Jose, Antique using socio-economic and governance indicators. Data were gathered through personal interview of fishers using an interview schedule and focus group discussion (FGD) with selected participants from the municipal government and barangays. A total of 125 fishers were chosen from the four barangays affected by the MPA, namely: Brgy. 3, Brgy. 4, Brgy. Madrangca and Brgy. Funda Dalipe through systematic random sampling. The results showed that the presence of the MPA have not made a significant change in the income of the fishers. Fishers believed that fish abundance and fish catch is relatively higher in 2003 compared to the present. Marine resources are highly valuable to the fishers since it is their source of income (64%) and food (33%). They also believed that the resources are already depleted (51%) due to uncontrolled fishing (28%). In addition, the management plan was not followed. There was no specific budget intended for MPA. There was a low degree of participation and stakeholder empowerment. Also, it was observed that though most (91%) of the fishers were aware of the MPA, there was less involvement in MPA activities, particularly of the fishers from Brgy Madrangca, Brgy 3, and Brgy. 4. To improve the MPA management in the area, there should be provision of income diversification program in the coastal barangays, proper information dissemination, a specific budget intended for the MPA and involvement of all the affected barangays.