Over a span of one year, significant changes were seen along the spot where the concrete artificial reefs were drop in the fishing grounds of Barangay San Isidro, Ibajay, Aklan.

Aquaculturist Christian says “there were recruitment of new fish species” in the array of concrete artificial reefs drop in the fishing grounds. Fish species increased from 16 to 21 around the periphery.

The artificial reef project was funded under the Kalahi-CIDSS-Millennium Challenge Corporation. Barangay San Isidro’s artificial reef project was among the five prioritized projects in the first year of implementation.

DECLINED FISH CATCH

Brgy. Kagawad Vicente Espiritu recalls that sometime in 1988, aloy (bullet-tuna), and hasa-hasa (short-bodied mackerel) disappeared. “Naglaas ang mga isda kay nagkalaguba ang mga coral reefs wala na sila istaran. (The fish fled because the corals were destroyed, they have no more habitat.

Espiritu, who had been fishing since 16 years old, says they used to catch more fish. The destruction of coral reefs was attributed in the disappearance of school of fish.

The use of dynamite, cyanide and other forms of destructive fishing methods was blamed for the degradation of the once-rich fishing ground. Fishing habitats were destroyed.

He says the coral reefs destroyed because of the use of dynamite and other destructive methods of fishing. They suffered for a long time.

Espiritu, who had fishing since 16 years old, says they used to catch more fish. “Daw ginapangayo lang namon ang isda sa lawod” (as if we are only asking fish in the waters).

Agrifino Costan , Kalahi-CIDSS Operation and Maintenance chairperson says there were fishermen who used compressors, cyanide, and dynamite. “Dahil ditto halos wala na kaming mahuli na isda. (Because of this we were havng a hard time catching fish).”

Fishermen have to travel a distance to fish. It also affects the income of 86 households which depend on fishing as main source of income.

Costan says fishermen have to spend money to buy gasoline for their motorized banca to navigate in other barangays. They have also to spend more time in the waters just to catch fish. At times, they went home with only one kilo of fish.

The fishermen have also to look for other jobs like carpentry and farming to augment their daily income.

HIGH-VALUE FISH ARE AMONG THE SPECIES

Today, high-valued fish which makes money in the market like snapper, surgeon fish and jacks are among the new fish species in San Isidro.

Deza’s report also identified some of the new fish species as matang baka (scad), dalagang bukid (fusiliers), lapu-lapu (grouper), salay-salay (jack), managat (snapper) and tamban (sardine).

There are also ornamental fishes such as manampulok (Scorpion fish), alibangbang (Butterfly fish), palata (Damsel Fish), and labayan (Wrasse).

“Village chief Froebel Miroy confirms Deza’s report. New fishes like maya-maya (snapper) caught by fishermen. There are other fish species caught by fishermen.

There are other fish species caught which he could not identify through their names.

“Bihira naming ito mahuhuli noong una (we seldom catch this kind of before).”

High-valued fish cost at least P180 to P200 per kilo. Local fishermen can make money from their catch when it is sold in Boracay. It commends a higher price, says Miroy.

Espiritu, who owns a motorized banca says he was able to send his five children to school because of the improving fish catch in their coast. He says he does not have to borrow money from a loan shark.

Deza’s report on the presence of high-valued fish along the coast was confirmed by Franciso Casungcad’s catch.

He and his companion were lucky enough to catch a 5.5 kilos yellow fin tuna and 4 kilos balilin (Crevalle) for an overnight fishing. Upon reaching the shore, a financier is ready to buy their day’s catch for distribution in the local market.

Financier bought their catch for only P130 to P140 per kilo. When sold in the local market, the price is much higher. Each kilo costs from P180 to P200.

Casungcad says they are able to catch other fishes such as grouper and snapper.

These are fishes that stay in the rocks. “Nagbalik na sila sa amon (They returned).”
He recalls that when the fish catch dwindled in Brgy. San Isidro they have to work either in the farm or in the construction site.

IMPORTANCE OF ARTIFICIAL REEF

Deza encourages the villagers to protect the site where the concrete artificial reefs were installed from intrusion of fishermen. Fishing restrictions should be imposed in covered areas.

He says the result of last June’s underwater assessment is “impressive” that the villagers should take more effort to protect the area where the artificial reefs are positioned. “Reefs are designed to enhance marine habitat.”

The habitat of these new fish species should be freed from any human activity and allow fish to grow in size. This will also allow the growth of algae and other sessile organisms like oysters to establish a new food chain, explains Deza.

“The artificial reefs serve as shelter to juvenile fishes. If fish stocks are allowed to recover, more fishes would actually be caught in the next few years, “he says.

Deza strongly recommends that portion of the 5.5 hectares site where the concrete artificial reefs are laid should be declared as Marine Protected Areas (MPA). The community should coordinate with the local government unit.

Once portion of the area is declared as marine protected area, the use of fishing gears is regulated and only spill-over fish from the sanctuary are caught. Overharvesting is also prevented, he says.

COMMUNITY TO DECLARE AREA AS MPA

A former seaman, Miroy says he fully understands the importance of the artificial reefs on the biodiversity as well as on the livelihood of the people.

He supported the village when residents prioritized the installation of jackstone type artificial reef for funding.

The barangay council is now preparing resolutions declaring portion of the site as marine protected area, says Miroy.

People must be educated on the importance of the concrete artificial reefs. “Kailangan pangalagaan nila ang kalikasan. Isang paraan ay educate lang ang mga tao,” he says./DSWD6/Maricar M. Calubiran