The Calamian Tagbanwa Ancestral Domain (Coron Island, Palawan

Home , Calamian Islands, Coron Island, Cyanide fishing, Dropline, Ethnic interest group, Ethnic theme park

1 The Calamian Tagbanwa Ancestral Domain (Coron Island, Palawan, Philippines): Evaluation of traditional fishing practices towards biodiversity conservation and sustainability

Arlene G. Sampang

The WorldFish Center

2 Executive Summary Over the years, human activities have tremendously impacted our marine and coastal ecosystems. Threats to marine biodiversity include overfishing and bycatch, habitat alterations, introduction of species, and pollution among others. In response to this, different management regimes have evolved to resolve problems in fisheries management. Community conserved areas managed by indigenous and of local and mobile communities are gaining recognition for their contribution to biological diversity. However, there is a need to understand the cultural values, behavior of resource users and the reason for such actions. The Calamian Tagbanwa in Coron Island is an indigenous small-scale fishing community. Through united efforts, they have asserted their traditional rights over their ancestral domain. The traditional fishing practices in the ancestral domain are being carried out in the context of sacred and restricted areas like fish sanctuaries. Observance of customary laws and the role of elders in implementing traditional laws are means of discipline. The avoidance of sacred and restricted areas and the existing taboos form part of the management measures in the domain. Such constraints may have played a role in the conservation of natural resources, species and ecosystems in the island and may have helped sustain the lives of these people for centuries. This study aims to assess the impacts of the traditional fishing practices and the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Calamian Tagbanwa in exploiting fish stocks in Coron Island. Ethnographic and key informant interviews, focus group discussions, mapping of fishing areas, and participant observations were used to collect data on fishing and gleaning activity, resource use patterns, traditional beliefs on marine resources and perceptions of changes inside the ancestral domain. The findings of this study are as follows: • Fishing is the main activity of the Calamian Tagbanwa, though farming and gathering of edible bird’s nest are also practiced by the others. Fishing is mainly for subsistence, few engaged into small-scale trading of live and fresh marine resources such as fish and octopus. Women are mostly involved in reef gleaning. The average catch of fish per day has decreased and trends in the use of fishing gear are influenced by modernization and competition among migrants. Traditional fishing gears are fast disappearing in relation to dwindling fishery stocks inside the ancestral waters in the past years. Migrants’ fishing activities threatened traditional fishing grounds. • Cultural and spiritual beliefs are in the form of food and habitat taboos. Some fish species are avoided for consumption, rooted from a cultural belief that they may pose a health risk, especially for women after childbirth. Restricted areas like fish sanctuaries and sacred areas around the island where Calamian Tagbanwa believed giant, human-like octopus dwell are compromised and exposed to fishing due to the presence and competition among migrants, self-discoveries and change in lifestyle and beliefs. The ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa is both biologically and culturally diverse. There is an urgent need to protect and preserve the remaining unusually pristine condition of some of the areas inside their ancestral domain. Given that the Calamian Tagbanwa is in the process of converting their ancestral domain management plan to a sustainable development and protection plan, this study recommends the following: • Reassessment of the existing Ancestral Domain Management Plan. Baseline studies on fisheries for a sustainable management plan utilizing the traditional ecological knowledge of the Calamian Tagbanwa.

3 • Conduct capacity building programs such as paralegal trainings to equip local leaders in the community. Lack of education makes them vulnerable to external threats. Environmental awareness activities should be incorporated in elementary schools. Elders conduct sessions with the youth on cultural integrity and identity. • Prioritize regular involvement and participation of local leaders in the development discussion meetings with the local government units. • Recognition and support from local government units (i.e. monitoring and enforcement of law on illegal fishing activities; municipal ordinance to recognize the CADT to gain respect from non-indigenous fishers) and programs assisted by local partners such as NGOs or academe should be holistic.

4 Acknowledgments This research study would not be possible without the help, support and assistance of several people and institutions. I am very grateful to the Tagbanwa Tribe of Coron Island Association for allowing me to conduct the research, sharing their knowledge and experience in fishing, especially to Chairman Rodolfo Aguilar for the hospitality, encouragement and support. Many thanks also to Calamian Tagbanwa assistants and volunteers for the help, kindness and patience. WorldFish staff and FishBase team for sharing your expertise and invaluable comments. Dr. Nicolas Bailly, officer-in-charge of the WorldFish Center - Philippines, for the motivation, support and comments. Thanks also to Dr. Maria Mangahas and Shane Naguit, for the encouragement and sharing your experience with indigenous people, Baggy Bagarinao for the comments. Thanks also to Gonzalo Oviedo, my advisor in World Conservation Union – IUCN for the understanding and encouragement throughout the research study. Lastly, this study would not be possible without the financial support from Alcoa Foundation Conservation and Sustainability Fellowship Program.

5 Table of Contents 1 Introduction ...... 12 1.1 Overview...... 12 1.2 Background...... 13 1.2.1 Threats to Marine Biodiversity ...... 13 1.2.2 Biodiversity Conservation in the Philippines...... 13 1.3 Research Objectives ...... 15 2 Study Area...... 17 2.1 Geographic Location and Accessibility ...... 17 2.2 Biophysical Characteristics...... 17 2.3 Socioeconomic Characteristics...... 19 2.4 Historical background of the Calamian Tagbanwa Ancestral Domain...... 20 3 Methods ...... 26 3.1 Protocol and Linkage Building ...... 26 3.2 Data Collection...... 27 3.2.1 Fishing activity and resource use pattern ...... 27 3.2.2 Cultural and Spiritual Beliefs...... 28 3.3 Data Synthesis and Analysis ...... 30 4 Results...... 32 4.1 Fishing activity and resource use pattern ...... 32 4.1.1 Mapping of fishing areas ...... 32 4.1.2 Fish catch monitoring...... 32 4.1.3 Catch per Unit Effort ...... 47 4.1.4 Gear ownership and fishing methods...... 48 4.1.5 Fishing history and skills ...... 49 4.1.6 Gleaning Activity...... 52 4.2 Cultural and spiritual beliefs on marine resources and taboo areas...... 53 5 Discussion ...... 55 5.1 Fishing activity and resource use pattern ...... 55 5.1.1 Mapping of fishing areas ...... 55 5.1.2 Fish catch monitoring...... 55 5.1.3 Catch per Unit Effort ...... 56 5.1.4 Gear Ownership...... 56 5.1.5 Fishing history and skills ...... 57 5.1.6 Gleaning Activity...... 59 5.2 Cultural and spiritual beliefs on marine resources and taboo areas...... 59 5.3 Challenges in the ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa...... 60 6 Conclusions...... 61 7 Recommendations...... 62 8 References...... 63 9 Appendices...... 67

6 List of Tables Table 1. Activities and issues relevant to coastal fisheries management in the Philippines...... 16 Table 2. Population in Municipality of Coron and Barangays Banwang Daan and Cabugao in 2000 and 2005 (in parenthesis)...... 20 Table 3. Ethnic distributions in the municipality of Coron in 2000...... 20 Table 4. Most common occupations in the municipality of Coron...... 20 Table 5. Historical account of the ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa...... 22 Table 6. Customary laws inside the ancestral waters...... 24 Table 7. Definitions and functions of six resource and habitat taboos...... 31 Table 8. Minimum and maximum length and weight of the most common species during the end and start of fishing season...... 38 Table 9. Summary of results of the length frequency analysis of the most common species during the end and start of fishing season...... 39 Table 10. Estimates of the life history parameters of the most common species during the end and start of fishing season...... 40 Table 11. Average catch per season and different gears used by the Calamian Tagbanwa...... 47 Table 12. Fishing gears owned by the Calamian Tagbanwa...... 48 Table 13. Species avoided for consumption and catch...... 53

7 List of Figures Figure 1. Map showing the Philippines, Calamianes Group of Islands and Coron Island...... 18 Figure 2. Entrance to Kayangan Lake...... 19 Figure 3. Map of the ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa showing lakes, beaches, sacred areas and traditional fishing grounds – Talung dakulu (1), Talung gesye (2) and Nataktakan (3)...... 21 Figure 4. Status of corals in Talung dakulu in 2005...... 22 Figure 5. Process in securing clearances from TTCIA, Municipality of Coron, PCSD and NCIP.26 Figure 6. Map showing the landing sites in Banwang Daan and Cabugao...... 29 Figure 7. Calamian Tagbanwa assistants during the fish catch monitoring...... 30 Figure 8. Focus group discussions with the Calamian Tagbanwa Elders, officials and members...... 30 Figure 9. Coastal transect of Coron Island – Banwang Daan and Cabugao...... 32 Figure 10. Fishing areas used inside the ancestral domain showing different types of gears used by the Calamian Tagbanwa and non-Calamian Tagbanwa...... 33 Figure 11. Fishing areas used inside the ancestral domain showing different types of boat used by the Calamian Tagbanwa and non-Calamian Tagbanwa...... 34 Figure 12. Dominant families in the fish catch monitoring during the end of fishing season 2006 and start of season 2007...... 35 Figure 13. Fishing areas during the fish catch monitoring...... 35 Figure 14. Distribution of catches per fishing gear of the most common species caught during the end and start of fishing season...... 36 Figure 15. Size distribution of Atule mate (a) with result of length frequency analysis during the start season 2007 (b). 41 Figure 16. Size distribution of Lethrinus lentjan for both seasons (a) and result of length frequency analysis during the end season 2006 (b) and start season 2007 (c)...... 42 Figure 17. Size distribution of Plectropomus leopardus for both seasons (a) and result of length frequency analysis during the end season 2006 (b) and start season 2007 (c)...... 43 Figure 18. Size distribution of Pentapodus trivittatus for both seasons (a) and result of length frequency analysis during the end season 2006 (b) and start season 2007 (c)...... 44 Figure 19. Size distribution of Labracinus cyclophthalmus for both seasons (a) and result of length frequency analysis during the end season 2006 (b) and start season 2007 (c)...... 45 Figure 20. Size distribution of Siganus argenteus (a) and result of length frequency analysis during the end season 2006 (b)...... 46 Figure 21. Preferred fishing gears during northeast monsoon and southwest monsoon...... 49 Figure 22. Mostly visited traditional fishing grounds of the Calamian Tagbanwa...... 50 Figure 23. Frequency of fishing in a week...... 50

8 Figure 24. Years of fishing (a), mentor in fishing (b), companion in fishing (c)...... 51 Figure 25. Fishing skills acquired through time...... 52 Figure 26. Status of restricted areas inside the ancestral domain...... 54 Figure 27. Status of sacred areas inside the ancestral domain...... 54 Figure 28. Historical timeline of the fishing gears used by the Calamian Tagbanwa...... 58

9 List of Appendices

Appendix 1. List of informants participated in the study...... 67 Appendix 2. Questionnaire used in the Ethnographic interviews...... 71 Appendix 3. Fish families during the end of fishing season 2006 and start of fishing season 2007...... 74 Appendix 4. Other targeted fishing locations...... 75 Appendix 5. Breakdown of fishing trips ...... 76 Appendix 6. Fishing gears used by Calamian Tagbanwa fishers...... 77

10 List of Acronyms ADMP Ancestral Domain Management Plan ADSDPP Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan CADC Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim CADT Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CBMS Community-Based Monitoring System CCAs Community Conserved Areas CENRO Community Environment and Natural Resource Office CFSA Community Forest Stewardship Agreement CI Conservation International CP Certification Precondition CTAM Coastal Transect Analysis Model DAO Department Administrative Order DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources ELAC Environmental Legal Assistance Center FPIC Free and Prior Informed Consent LRFFT Live Reef Fish Food Trade ICCs Indigenous Cultural Communities IPs Indigenous Peoples IPRA Indigenous Peoples Rights Act IUCN World Conservation Union LGC Local Government Code LGU Local Government Units MSN Marine Protected Areas Support Network MPA Marine Protected Areas NCIP National Commission on Indigenous People NGO Non-Government Organization NIPAS National Integrated Protected Areas System PAWB Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau PCSD Palawan Council for Sustainable Development ROC Resolution of Consent RNC Resolution of Non-Consent SB Sangguniang Bayan SEP Strategic Environmental Plan TFCI Tagbanwa Foundation of Coron Island TTCIA Tagbanwa Tribe of Coron Island Association UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development UNESCO United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization WPC World Parks Congress

11 1 Introduction 1.1 Overview Over the years, different conservation approaches to protect the remaining biological and cultural diversity have emerged and are continuously being tested. Involving indigenous people in biodiversity conservation stemmed from their long association and dependence on the resource and the environment. Increasing recognition to respect and protect the knowledge system and traditional lifestyles of the indigenous people was highlighted in different international convention including the Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which was adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1972, United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992 which came up with the Agenda 21 (chapter 26), Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (principle 22), and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (article 8j). Moreover, the initiatives of indigenous people and local communities, or Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) were recognized and endorsed for support through the World Conservation Union – IUCN World Parks Congress (WPC) in 2003 and the VIIth Conference of Parties to the CBD in 2004 (Kothari 2006). CCAs can be defined as “natural and modified ecosystems, including significant biodiversity, ecological services and cultural values, voluntarily conserved by indigenous peoples and local and mobile communities through customary laws or other effective means” (Borrini-Feyerabend et al. 2004: xvi). But there are many existing CCAs around the world which face threats and challenges. Among these, the indigenous knowledge systems and practices that are being eroded through modernization, lack of support from the government, and failure to empowered local communities to govern and use their own conservation schemes (Kothari 2006a). Various studies conducted in Asia, Africa, Caribbean and Pacific islands (Aswani 2004; Johannes 1981; McClanahan 1997; Ruddle 1994a, 1994b, 1995; Sabetian 2002) showed that the utilization of indigenous knowledge and traditional management practices can help in the design of fishery management plans and may contribute to biodiversity conservation. Traditional fishing methods rely primarily on knowledge that is handed down from the elders in a community. Their knowledge evolved continuously where fishers learn from their own experiences and close observations of the fish, and its prey and surroundings (Johannes 1981). Therefore, there is a need to assess and examine the objectives and management practices of CCAs towards biodiversity conservation and sustainability. This research study addresses the issue in the context of one indigenous people, the Calamian Tagbanwa, a small-scale fishing community in Coron, Palawan. The Calamian Tagbanwa has in-depth and objective knowledge of the fish species existing in their ancestral domain. Their fish-naming system was based on their close interaction with the marine environment and knowledge of the species habitat was mostly in agreement with scientific information (Sampang 2005). Resource use and access are governed by customary laws and it recognizes the value of different ecosystems found inside their ancestral domain (Sampang 2005). Hence, this study was designed to assess the impacts of the traditional fishing practices and cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Calamian Tagbanwa on the exploitation of fish stocks inside their ancestral domain.

12 1.2 Background 1.2.1 Threats to Marine Biodiversity Marine and coastal resources provide livelihood for millions of people, food, medicines, raw materials as well as recreation. However, human activities have impacted the coastal and marine ecosystems heavily in the last decades, threatening marine biodiversity. Threats to marine biodiversity include overfishing and bycatch, habitat damage and alteration, pollution, alien species, and climate change due to overpopulation, insufficient understanding, undervaluing, among others (Norse et al. 2005). The rampant use of illegal and destructive fishing methods (like dynamite and cyanide fishing) resulted to widespread degradation of marine habitats and resources (Pauly et al. 2002). Live reef fish food trade (LRFFT) is increasingly damaging the reef habitats through unsustainable fishing methods (Pomeroy et al. 2005). Global catches had resulted to fishing down marine food webs (Pauly et al. 1998; 2000). Historical records showed that overfishing altered the coastal marine ecosystems (Jackson et al. 2001) and there is rapid decline of large predatory fishes (Myers et al. 2003). Long-lived marine organisms like cetaceans and sea turtles are declining due to bycatch (Heppell et al. 2005). Some of the commercially important fisheries like the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), Peruvian anchoveta (Engraulis ringens) around the world have collapsed (Pauly et al. 2002) while others have just began their decline like California sardine (Sardinops sagax) (Crowder 2005). The concept of “shifting baseline syndrome” calls for the attention to deal with the historical condition of the marine ecosystems through anecdotes. There is a gradual shift in baseline in terms of what species were caught and their abundance because scientists and managers accept the baseline they observe in the marine ecosystems during the beginning of their careers (Pauly 1995). 1.2.2 Biodiversity Conservation in the Philippines Philippines is composed of more than 7,100 islands, having more than 52,177 described species, and some of these are endemic in the country (DENR 1997 cited in Ong et al. 2002). The archipelagic nature of the Philippines gave rise to high species diversity and endemism, moreover, cultural diversity. Its exceptionally high biodiversity makes it one of the 17 megadiverse countries (Mittermeier et al. 1997) and one of the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world (Myers et al. 2000). Marine biodiversity in the Philippines is exceptional and it has been identified as the epicenter of marine shore fish biodiversity and evolution (Carpenter et al. 2005). Ironically, as Philippines is globally recognized for its high biological diversity, it is also being presumed as “global biodiversity disaster area” (Terborgh 1999 and Linden 1998 cited in Ong et al. 2002). Apparently, terrestrial and aquatic species are being threatened with extinction brought by human activities such as illegal logging, destructive fishing methods, and among others. Based on 2007 IUCN Red List (www.iucnredlist.org), the Philippines has 466 threatened species. Fisheries are important rural economy that provides livelihood for over a million of people in the Philippines. Fish is also a good source of animal protein especially in island communities. Two existing types of fisheries are present in the Philippines, municipal (also known as small- scale, artisanal or traditional fishing using boats less than 3 gross tons) and the commercial fishing (also known as large-scale or industrial fishing using boats more than 3 gross tons) (Barut et al. 2004). Over the years, marine capture fisheries have declined due to increased fishing effort by both types of fisheries. Table 1 presents some of the activities and environmental issues in the coastal areas in the Philippines.

13 A lot of government initiatives have been undertaken in response to problems in marine fisheries and biodiversity loss. The national government created the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 1997. The mission of PAWB is to conserve the biological diversity through establishment, management and development of National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), wildlife conservation, information and education awareness program (www.pawb.gov.ph). Also, the passage of the Local Government Code (LGC) in 1991, decentralized the powers to control and manage coastal resources to Local Government Units (LGU). This gave rise to co-management initiatives. These initiatives involved other sectors like non-government organizations or the academe. The top-down approach of the government was seen ineffective in some ways. This situation increases the recognition of involving local stakeholders in the planning and implementation of projects for sustainable coastal fisheries management. Today, success stories of community-based resource management and participatory approaches in coastal resource management are increasing (Ferrer et al. 1996, 2001). This leads to the recognition of the Philippines as one of the leading countries in community-based marine resource management like in the case of Apo Island (Russ and Alcala 1999). Also, Marine Protected Areas Support Network (MSN) was also formed to help Marine Protected Areas (MPA) actions through collaborative efforts at local, regional and national levels (http://msn.philreefs.org). In addition, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) was passed in 1997. This act recognized indigenous cultural communities or indigenous people (ICCs/IPs) in the Philippines. This empowers the ICCs/IPs in the country to assert their rights over their ancestral territories. The National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) (www.ncip.gov.ph) is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the policies as well as to ensure that a Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process is undertaken by prospective entities interested in doing research activity, project or programs (NCIP 2006). The Calamian Tagbanwa, an indigenous fishing community in Coron, Palawan is one of the IPs who was able to assert their rights over their ancestral domain through community initiative and efforts. They have gained recognition worldwide as an example of CCA in the Philippines (Borrini-Feyerabend et al. 2004). The Calamian Tagbanwa was the first indigenous people to have an ancestral waters claim and their successful learning experience set a precedent to other indigenous coastal communities (PAFID 2000). The establishment of Coron Island as the ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa gave them the overall authority to use the natural resources existing in and around the island. The traditional fishing practices in the ancestral domain are being carried out in the context of sacred and restricted areas like fish sanctuaries. Observance of customary laws and the role of elders in implementing traditional laws are means of discipline. The avoidance of sacred and restricted areas and the existing taboos form part of the management measures in the domain. Such constraints may have played a role in the conservation of natural resources, species and ecosystems in the island and may have helped sustain the lives of these people for centuries. The Ancestral Domain Management Plan (ADMP) was formulated in 1998 and their customary laws were codified and amended in the plan. The ADMP serves as a guide in resource use and development in the area. The ADMP also highlights the identification of sacred places and spirit dwellings, manner of inheritance and transfer of properties and possessions, traditional sanction and penalties for the ADMP offenders (Dalabajan 2001).

14 1.3 Research Objectives In fisheries, the knowledge of the local marine environment, behavior and movements of marine animals and management practices of indigenous people have great practical value. They are important when there is inadequate scientific data (Ruddle 1994b). Traditional management methods, conservation, stock assessments, environmental impact assessments, local hydrography, mapping, fishing methods and technologies, fish systematics and biology are among the components were fishers can help the management planners (Ruddle 1994a). Traditional belief systems, or taboos, whatever the reason for such constraints, may somehow play a major role in the conservation of natural resources, although as Johannes (1989 cited in Ruddle 1994a) has stated that not all practices are geared towards conservation. There would still be some combination of practices that may lead to destruction of the environment. The study aimed to assess the impacts of traditional fishing practices and cultural and spiritual beliefs and conservation of the Calamian Tagbanwa in the exploitation of fish stocks in their ancestral domain. Specifically, the study was done to: 1. Describe the fishing activity and resource use pattern of the Calamian Tagbanwa; 2. Identify culturally important species with respect to spiritual beliefs and economic significance; and 3. Examine the effects of cultural and spiritual beliefs and fishing practices in relation to species exploitation and conservation.

15 Table 1. Activities and issues relevant to coastal fisheries management in the Philippines. Major zones Terrestrial Coastal Marine

Intertidal Nearshore Offshore Deepsea Upland Midland Lowland (1 km inland from (30 m-200 m (>200 m (beyond (>18% slope) (8-18% slope) (0-<8% slope) HHWL -30 M depth) depth-EEZ) EEZ) depth) Main resource Logging Logging Agriculture Aquaculture Municipal Commercial Fisheries uses/activities Mining Farming Urban Municipal fisheries fisheries Marine Upland Mining development fisheries Commercial Marine transport agriculture Dams Industrial Mangrove fisheries transport Livestock development forestry Marine production Tourism Tourism transport Human Ports/marine settlement transport Freshwater Human fisheries settlement Freshwater Salt production aquaculture Sand/grave mining Main Siltation Siltation Agrochemical Agrochemical Overfishing Overfishing Oil spills environmental /sedimentation Agrochemical loading loading Solid wastes Oil spills Overfishing issues/impacts on Flooding loading Sewage Overfishing Oil spills Poaching the zone Heavy metal Flooding disposal Mangrove Pollution Increased Industrial depletion Agrochemical salinity waste Coral reef loading Organic Solid wastes degradation loading Siltation Sewage disposal Overfishing Habitat conversion Organic loading Siltation Red tides Reduce biodiversity Source: Adapted from Barut et al. 2004

16 2 Study Area 2.1 Geographic Location and Accessibility The ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa, Coron Island, is located in the northernmost section of Palawan province. Palawan, also known as the “last ecological frontier” lies in the southwestern side of the Philippine archipelago. It is bounded by the South China Sea on the west and Sulu Sea on the east. The province is composed of 1,800 islands, where mainland Palawan is the largest. The Calamianes group on the north, while Cuyo group on east and Balabac on the south. The Calamianes group of Islands is comprised of 3 major islands namely: Busuanga, Culion and Coron (Fig. 1). Coron is located halfway between Manila and Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital city of Palawan. It is the northern gateway to the province of Palawan. The municipality of Coron has a total land area of 950 square kilometers. It covers the eastern half of the Busuanga Island and is composed of 23 barangays of which 6 are in the Poblacion and 5 are island barangays (Municipal Briefing Folio, 2005). Coron Island (11°48’ - 12°00’ N; 120°11 - 120°19’ E) is bounded by the Coron Passage on the north, Coron Bay on the west and Sulu Sea on the east and south. The ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa is under the political jurisdiction of the Municipality of Coron, and is comprised of two barangays, namely, Banwang Daan and Cabugao. Cabugao has an island sitio, Delian Island, on the southeastern section of Coron Island (Fig. 1). Entrance to these barangays is thru a small cove fringed with mangrove forests. Coron Island can only be reached by boat. Depending on the weather, it takes about thirty to forty-five minutes and sixty to ninety minutes to Banwang Daan and Cabugao, respectively, from Coron town. 2.2 Biophysical Characteristics Coron Island is a limestone island, forming rugged terrains and steep cliffs and is surrounded by narrow sandy beaches. The island has narrow fringing coral reefs. The mountains are covered with vegetation ranging from shrubs, bushes and limestone forests. Soils are made up of salty clay loam (Municipal Briefing Folio, 2005). The dry season is from November to April and wet season from May to October. The island of Coron is enchanted with several beautiful lakes. Among them is the Kayangan which is nationally acclaimed cleanest lake in the Philippines for several years (1997-99), and now hold the Presidential Hall of Fame award (Fig. 2), and Luluyuwan (also known as Barracuda Lake). Lake Cabugao is the biggest lake found in the island. According to the report of NIPAP (2000), there is a high rate of floral endemism in the island. Faunal species recorded are the Philippine macaque, wild pigs, porcupines, skunks, Palawan hornbill, and various parrot species, and there were also sightings of Dugong (Dugong dugon) and sea turtles (NIPAP 2000).

17 Figure 1. Map showing the Philippines, Calamianes Group of Islands and Coron Island (Source of Coron Island map: Municipal Planning and Development Office).

18 Figure 2. Entrance to Kayangan Lake. 2.3 Socioeconomic Characteristics Coron Island is inhabited by Calamian Tagbanwa, different from the Tagbanwa found in mainland Palawan. Calamian Tagbanwa is semi-nomadic and way of life is anchored to sea, whereas Tagbanwa in the mainland are shifting cultivators inhabiting riverbanks and valleys. Reported data from the five year Barangay development plan for the year 2006-2010, Banwang Daan and Cabugao have 132 and 175 households in 2005, respectively. Table 2 shows a decrease in the number of households in Cabugao from 319 in 2000 to 175 in 2005, perhaps due to emigration. Majority of the residents in these two barangays are Calamian Tagbanwas, with some migrants mostly from the Visayas region. But in Delian Island, which is part of Barangay Cabugao is mainly Visayan migrants. Only 4 families of Calamian Tagbanwa are present in Delian Island (TTCIA Chairman Aguilar, pers. comm.). From 1995 - 2000, the total population of Coron was estimated to increase from 27,040 to 32,243, with an annual growth rate of 3.85% (Municpal Briefing Folio, 2005). In 2000, the highest number of households was concentrated near the port area (881) and in the town proper (1,291). The Cuyunins, Tagbanwas, Cagayanens and Calamianens were the first settlers in the Calamianes Group of Islands. During the Palawan Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) in the municipality of Coron in 2000, Tagalogs have the highest number of migrants in Coron, followed by the Cebuanos and then other ethnic groups (Table 3). There are also reported immigration by Muslims around Coron town coming from Lanao del Norte and Maguindanao. According to the data from the Municipality (Table 4), the most common three occupations of people in Coron are fishing, agriculture and community and social services. Though some are involved in working in construction (7%), wholesale and retail trade (5.6%), and transportation, storage and communication (4.1%), an estimated 8.6% has occupation that is unclassified. Indeed, the influx of migrants in Coron as well as the whole of Palawan province

19 was largely driven by livelihood opportunities because of the marine resources present in the area, as well as invitations from relatives and friends to migrate (CI, undated). Table 2. Population in Municipality of Coron and Barangays Banwang Daan and Cabugao in 2000 and 2005 (in parenthesis). Land Average Area Household Population Male Female Area Household Size (km2) Coron 6,264 32,243 5.15 16,808 15,435 949.52 Banwang Daan 101 (132) 546 (698) 5.41 296 250 40.99 Cabugao 319 (175) 1,696 (902) 5.32 956 740 52.62 Source: Municipal Briefing Folio 2005. Table 3. Ethnic distributions in the municipality of Coron in 2000. Percent Number of Ethnic Group Population Household Size Distribution Households Cuyunin 11,187 33.66 2,099 5.33 Tagbanwa 4,490 13.51 838 5.36 Cagayanen 1,100 3.31 206 5.34 Calamianen 841 2.53 157 5.36 Tagalog 10,556 31.46 2,007 5.26 Cebuano 2,509 7.55 476 5.27 Boholano 1,153 3.47 218 5.29 Waray 429 1.29 81 5.30 Bicolano 299 0.90 57 5.25 Others 672 2.02 128 5.25 Total 33,236 100.0 6,267 5.30 Source: Municipal Briefing Folio cited in CI (undated). Table 4. Most common occupations in the municipality of Coron. Type of Occupation Number Percent Fishing 3,283 37.64 Agriculture 1,531 17.55 Community and social services 979 11.22 Source: Municipal Briefing Folio 2005.

2.4 Historical background of the Calamian Tagbanwa Ancestral Domain The Calamian Tagbanwa, through rights-based approach has successfully claimed their ancestral domain (Fig. 3). The increasing fishing pressure over their traditional fishing grounds brought by illegal and destructive fishing activities is one of the compelling reason why the Calamian Tagbanwa strive to assert their rights over their ancestral territory. Three offshore reefs used by the fishers were Talung dakulu (1), Talung gesye (2), and Nataktakan (3) (Fig. 3). Talung dakulu is the longest, with a depth of 4 to12 feet, while Talung gesye is the deepest, 16 to 22 ft. Nataktakan reef ranges from 7 to 9 feet (TTCIA Chairman Aguilar, pers. comm.). In 2005, direct observations showed that part of the Talung dakulu was dead corals with filamentous algae with some recruits starting to grow (Fig. 4) (Sampang 2005). In addition, there

20 are various reports that eastern side of the Calamianes Group of Islands is damage by dynamite fishing (Werner and Allen, 2000).

Source: PAFID

Figure 3. Map of the ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa showing lakes, beaches, sacred areas and traditional fishing grounds – Talung dakulu (1), Talung gesye (2) and Nataktakan (3).

21 Source: Sampang 2005

Figure 4. Status of corals in Talung dakulu in 2005.

Table 5 shows interesting events in the struggle of the Calamian Tagbanwa in asserting their legal rights over their ancestral land and waters, table 6 presents the customary laws pertaining to ancestral waters. Table 5. Historical account of the ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa. Year Events 1967 Coron Island was declared as a Natural Reserve by virtue of Proclamation No. 219 in July 2 to protect its valuable and unique ecological features.

22 Table 5 (cont) Year Events 1978 Declared as a Tourist Zone and Marine Reserve by virtue of Proclamation No. 1801, manage by the Philippine Tourism Authority. Then followed by Proclamation No. 2152, declaring the entire province as a Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve.

1985 The Calamian Tagbanwa formed the Tagbanwa Foundation of Coron Island (TFCI). They applied for the Community Forest Stewardship Agreement (CFSA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) covering the islands of Coron and Delian.

1990 DENR issued a CFSA to the TFCI, which covered about 7,748 hectares. Other Calamian Tagbanwa in Calamianes began building community organizations focused on securing tenure over their ancestral domain because of the success of the returned clan caves to TFCI.

1992 The Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act or Republic Act 7611 was enacted. This Act expanded the definition of ancestral domains to include coastal zones and other submerged areas. Realizing that CFSA is limited to land stewardship, and their traditional fishing grounds, fish sanctuaries and diving areas inside their ancestral domain is not included, they use the Act to apply for their claim. Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) is the implementing agency for the SEP. National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (NIPAS) or RA 7685 was enacted and Coron Island was listed as part of the Priority Protected Areas.

1993 Application for Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim (CADC) was filed by seven barangays through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). The Tagbanwa asked for support from PCSD, the mayor and other officials. Department Administrative Order (DAO) 02 was passed by DENR that provides recognition and awarding of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim.

1996 DAO 34 was passed providing guidelines for the management of CADC claim.

1997 Saragpunta, derived from the word saragpun which means “let us gather” was formed. The unity of the organization is rooted by their common interest, identity, shared past and future. At present, Saragpunta is composed of Tara Island, Malawig, Buenavista, Turda, Borac, Marcilla, Cabugao, Banwang Daan, Bulalacao, Biong, Carabao, Depelenged, Panlaitan, San Isidro and Calauit. Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (RA 8371) was created to recognize, protect and promote the rights of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples. National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) is the implementing agency of IPRA.

1998 Tagbanwa’s struggle for recognition of their ancestral domain was granted on June. DENR signed and approved their CADC consisting of 22,284 hectares of land and water. TFCI organized a workshop to do the Ancestral Domain Management Plan (ADMP) of Coron Island. Customary laws were codified and amended in the plan.

2002 Criticisms and resolutions were passed in the claim of the TFCI. NCIP had converted the CADC to Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) but it was not released nor register in the Register of Deeds. The NCIP created Administrative Order 1, to determine with finality the validity of CADT approved by the first Commission.

23 Table 5 (cont) Year Events 2004 The review and validation of CADT made some adjustments to the boundaries of the domain. The whole ancestral domain covers 24,520 hectares (ancestral land – 7320 hectares and ancestral waters – 16,958 hectares). The Tagbanwa of Coron Island obtained the CADT in February 19 with the help of the Philippine Association for Intercultural Development (PAFID), a social development organization, which aims to assist indigenous communities to regain and secure their ancestral domain. The CADT gave them the full legal claim of their territory. Tribal leaders noted that they will impose the necessary punishment for those who will violate the customary laws.

Source: PAFID 2000, www.pcsd.ph/protected_areas/coron.htm, Sampang 2003; 2005 Table 6. Customary laws inside the ancestral waters. Section Allowed Not Allowed 2 Big fishing boats as defined by Philippine law, illegal fishing boats, boats using illegal methods

4 Passenger ships or public sea vessels including fishing boats of non Tagbanwas are allowed to pass through

5 Fishing boats of non- Tagbanwa are free to fish except those using illegal methods

9 Projects or infrastructures to be managed by non- Tagbanwa without proper consultation from the membership and agreement with the Council.

13 / 55 Non-Tagbanwa fishers to camp within the ancestral domain without permission from the Council.

15 Cutting mangroves along the coast

16 Digging in the mangrove areas for baits

32 Fishing in sacred areas (panyaans), lagoons and sanctuaries

48 All big fishing boats, illegal fishing boats, illegal fishing paraphernalia, illegal fishing methods (pangulong, linteg or duldog, lampornas, hulbot-hulbot – Danish seine, aquarium, dynamite, sodium cyanide and others specified by law)

49 Three-ply nets

50 Fishing in lagoons and lakes

24 Table 6 (cont) Section Allowed Not Allowed 51 Catch small (juvenile) fishes except those of natural small size (Gunu - Silversides, Dilis - Anchovies, Kaluyang – shrimp)

52 Catch whales, dolphins and sea cow

53 Build fish pens (baklad) especially in sanctuaries

54 Collect juvenile of Samung (Trochus sp.), Bulalo (Turbo sp.), Kiyay/Tipay (Pinctada sp.), and Biyag-biyag (Tectus sp.)

58 Disturb sacred places

61 Ancestral water is the main and has the largest contribution to the livelihood of the Tagbanwa. Whatever abuse is prohibited.

62 Non-Tagbanwas to claim and abuse any part of ancestral water

63 Non-Tagbanwas to use any portion of sanctuaries, lagoons, tide flats, sacred places

64 Non-Tagbanwas free to use the reefs in an environment-friendly manner and based on what specified by Philippine law 65 Illegal fishing by Tagbanwas and non- Tagbanwas

66 Fishing in sanctuaries and lagoons by Tagbanwas and non-Tagbanwas

67 Drop anchors on coral reefs within the sanctuaries. Motorized boats to enter sanctuaries

70 Non-Tagbanwas to culture seaweeds in sanctuaries without permission from the Council

71 Anyone except for the owner to take cultured seaweeds

72 Culture seaweeds along canal-passage ways of boats

73 Tagbanwas to culture seaweeds in lagoons Source: TFCI 1998, Adapted and updated from Sampang 2005

25 3 Methods 3.1 Protocol and Linkage Building Initial discussions were made through the Tagbanwa Tribe of Coron Island Association (TTCIA) based on the findings of the initial research conducted by Sampang (2005). The flowchart of the process undertaken by the research is presented in Fig. 5.

Figure 5. Process in securing clearances from TTCIA, Municipality of Coron, PCSD and NCIP.

26 The recommendations made in that study encouraged further research on their ancestral domain and given that they are also in the process of converting the Ancestral Domain Management Plan to Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP). The results from this study will serve as a baseline on fisheries for the preparation of their comprehensive management plan. General assemblies were organized for both villages, Barangay Banwang Daan and Cabugao in Filipino and Tinagbanwa language, to discuss and explain the objectives, methods, significance and expected outcomes of the study. These were participated in by the Council of Elders, Barangay officials, TTCIA officials and the community members (Appendix 1). Resolutions of Consent (ROC) were passed by Barangay Banwang Daan and Cabugao stating the acceptance of the research activities. A Resolution of Non- Consent (RNC) will be given if the proposed research is rejected by the ICCs/IPs. The resolutions are pre-requisites for the issuance of certification from NCIP, Municipality of Coron and PCSD. The NCIP will issue a Certification Precondition (CP) referring to the certificate of compliance issued by the Commission or the Regional Director, attesting that the applicant complied with the requirements securing the affected ICCs/IPs. The municipality of Coron through the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) will pass a municipal resolution, whereas, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), an agency responsible for the governance, implementation and policy direction of the Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan (also known as RA 7611) shall require a SEP clearance. Several NGOs like Conservation International (CI) and Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC) working in Coron were also visited to establish contacts and to serve as sources for secondary information for the research. 3.2 Data Collection 3.2.1 Fishing activity and resource use pattern 3.2.1.1 Mapping of fishing areas Mapping of Calamian Tagbanwa fishers inside the ancestral waters was done to visualize where their fishing occurs on a typical day. Fishing areas were mapped using GPS and compass during the sampling period in July. Distance from fishers was estimated since participation in the actual fishing trip was not feasible all the time. This may disturb their fishing activity. Participation in fishing trip was done only twice. A Calamian Tagbanwa fisher accompanied each trip, identifying the location of fishing areas, Calamian Tagbanwa or non-Calamian Tagbanwa fisher and the type of gear used. Mapping was done once a week for three consecutive weeks, starting from morning until the afternoon. For the visualization of the Calamian Tagbanwa coast, Coastal Transect Analysis Model Phase I (CTAM) was used (Chuenpagdee et al. 2007). CTAM, www.coastaltransect.org provides a simple descriptive model of the coastal area based on the user inputs on physical characteristics, types of habitats and resources and activities. 3.2.1.2 Fish catch monitoring Data were collected at different landing sites to monitor the fishing activity of the Calamian Tagbanwa. There are 5 and 6 existing landing sites in Banwang Daan and Cabugao, respectively (Fig. 6). However, during the sampling period only 2 landing sites in Banwang Daan (Tulay and Dalusan) and 3 in Cabugao (Carupil, Carascas and Lumintaw) were sampled due to the high frequency of fishers landing in the specified areas. The fishing season for the Calamian Tagbanwa starts from June to mid-November (southwest monsoon, Abagat). Banwang Daan and Cabugao, located on the eastern side of the island experience calm seas during this time. On

27 the other hand, rough sea conditions brought by strong winds associated with northeast monsoon (Kamian) make it a lean season for fishers. The granting of this research study as well the issuance of certification from NCIP coincided with the end of the fishing season. Thus, the sampling period in this study started at the end of fishing season from 23 October – 10 November 2006 and continued at start of the fishing season from 9 – 27 July 2007. Fishermen participated in the fish catch monitoring were interviewed as they brought their catches in the landing sites. All fishes were weighed and measured using handy scales, fish board and ruler. Information collected were local names, travel time, location, fishing gear and boat used, sea condition, weather, and phase of the moon. Calamian Tagbanwa young people were trained to measure and weigh the fish collected by the fishers (Fig. 7) and record the data in the datasheet provided. The average catch per trip and gear were computed from the daily fish catches to see the trend in their local fisheries. 3.2.1.3 Ethnographic Interview Information on the demographics of the household, fishing history, gear ownership, fishing methods and skills, gleaning activity, resource use patterns were collected using ethnographic interviews (Appendix 2). Ethnographic interviews were based on a set of open ended questions or key discussion points. These provided flexibility to the respondent to raise other issues, freedom to express opinions and insights in more detail (Spradley 1979). Respondents were randomly selected from a list and validated with the Council of Elders, Tagbanwa Tribe Association and the Barangay officials. A total of 102 ethnographic interviews were conducted (Appendix 1). The interviews were primarily done in their homes, but sometimes in places where they are during the interview schedule. The questionnaire was pre-tested with the local experts in the community. Interviews were conducted in Filipino language with a little of Tinagbanwa and lasted for almost an hour. Some Calamian Tagbanwa members served as interpreters in case there were questions not clear to the fishers. 3.2.1.4 Participant Observation To gain understanding of the fishing activity of the Calamian Tagbanwa, participation in fishing trip was done. It was an opportunity to directly observe their fishing practice. Participant observation allows the researcher to join as an active member of the activity and observe the surroundings (Ervin 2000). This method was used throughout the data collection. 3.2.2 Cultural and Spiritual Beliefs 3.2.2.1 Ethnographic and Key Informant Interview and Focus Group Discussion Information on cultural beliefs on marine resources and taboo areas inside the ancestral waters were collected through ethnographic interviews. The interviews focused on trying to determine what species is culturally important and the current practice on the restricted and sacred areas. Key informant interviews were done to complement the data obtained from fishers. The Chairman of the Tagbanwa Tribe of Coron Island and municipal official were interviewed to validate data on migrants’ activities inside the ancestral waters. Focus group discussions were also conducted to verify the data obtained from the ethnographic interviews as well as fish catch monitoring. Focus group discussions involved a set of selected informants, which include the Council of Elders, Tagbanwa Tribe of Coron Island and Barangay officials (Fig. 8, Appendix 1). The discussion lasted for more than 4 hours, allowing each informant to discuss perceived important issues.

28 Figure 6. Map showing the landing sites in Banwang Daan and Cabugao.

29 Figure 7. Calamian Tagbanwa assistants during the fish catch monitoring.

Figure 8. Focus group discussions with the Calamian Tagbanwa Elders, officials and members. 3.3 Data Synthesis and Analysis The data obtained were consolidated in a customized database. FishBase (www.fishbase.org) is a widely recognized world’s premier information system on fish (Froese and Pauly 2007). It contains information on taxonomy, biology, ecology, aquaculture, life history, diseases and information support tools for fisheries management. FishBase tool like Fish Identification was used to identify the species. In addition, the following books were used (Lieske and Myers 1994; Masuda et al. 1984; Myers 1999; Nakabo 2002; Randall 1997) with the help from the FishBase team. Using Length Frequency Wizard, a simple representation of the trends in fisheries among Calamian Tagbanwa is presented. Length frequency curves can provide a grasp of the status of the fish stock by plotting the information in a framework of asymptotic length (Linf), length at

30 first maturity (Lm) and length of optimum yield (Lopt) (Froese and Binohlan 2000). Information from the Species Ecology Matrix tool was used to present some of the life history parameters of the species selected. Colding and Folke (1997, 2001) identified six categories where resource and habitat taboos can be grouped (Table 7). These categories were used to identify where the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Calamian Tagbanwa fall into. The six categories of resource and habitat taboos are the following: segment, temporal, method, life history, specific-species and habitat taboos. Table 7 present their related resource management functions. The Ancestral Domain Management Plan and written customary laws were used as guidelines to examine the current fishing practices of the Calamian Tagbanwa fishers. Spearman’s rank correlation, a non- parametric test was used to compare if their observance and nonobservance of the taboos is related to age and education. Data gathered in the ethnographic interviews was in the form of counts, thus contingency tables were used to classify the frequency data, and tested for equal proportions using Chi square.

Table 7. Definitions and functions of six resource and habitat taboos. Category Definition Function Segment Applies when a cultural group bans the utilization of Regulate resource taboos particular species for specific time periods for human withdrawal individuals of a particular age, sex, or social status Temporal Applies when a cultural group bans access to resources Regulate access to taboos during certain time periods (sporadically, daily, weekly to resources in time seasonal basis) Method Applies when a cultural group bans the use of certain Regulate methods of taboos methods and techniques for withdrawal of species resource withdrawal Life-history Applies when a cultural group bans the use of certain Regulate withdrawal of taboos vulnerable stages of a species’ life history based on its age, vulnerable life history size, sex, or reproductive status stages of species Specific- Applies when a cultural group totally bans the killing and Total protection to species detrimental use of specific species in both time and space species in time and space taboos Habitat Applies when a cultural group regulates both access to and Restrict access and use of taboos use of resources from particular habitats in space and time. resources in time and Such areas are often protected by religious taboos and space considered sacred. Source: Colding and Folke 2001: 586-590.

31 4 Results 4.1 Fishing activity and resource use pattern 4.1.1 Mapping of fishing areas Using the CTAM tool, a descriptive model of the coastal area and fishery activities is presented in Fig. 9. Types of habitats present in the area are the mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs and lagoons. Fish cage, sometimes called compound are found near the lagoon area. This compound serves as a temporary storage of groupers until they reach a good size. The Calamian Tagbanwa is involved in inshore and offshore small scale fishing. Migrant fishers coming from nearby islands or other provinces are involved in offshore large scale fishing.

Figure 9. Coastal transect of Coron Island – Banwang Daan and Cabugao. A total of 87 fishers were spotted inside the ancestral waters. Twenty-seven fishers were recorded during the first mapping, 44 and 17 on the second and third round, respectively. Calamian Tagbanwa fishers were spotted mostly in Talung dakulu (n=43). Talung dakulu is relatively near compared to Talung gesye and Nataktakan. According to the fishers, going to Talung dakulu takes about thirty to sixty minutes using the small double outrigger canoe or raft. Also, some non-Calamian Tagbanwa (n=10) were spotted fishing between Nataktakan and Tristris area during the second round. As shown in Fig. 10, the dominant fishing gears used was simple handlines like the dropline (ukrus-ukrus - 49.4%, bira-bira - 14.9%) and the octopus luring device (tora-tora - 19.5%). Fishing is carried out mostly through small double outrigger canoe (barutu, n=58), followed by raft (balsa, n=15) (Fig. 11). Fishing gears used by the non-Calamian Tagbanwa identified in the traditional fishing grounds were Danish seine (hulbot), surface gillnet (flying fish, lambat), compressor, drop line with a bait bag (latak) and motorboats (poso). 4.1.2 Fish catch monitoring Fish catch composition of the Calamian Tagbanwa is mostly reef-associated species. A total of 1,788 and 2,912 fishes were recorded during the end of fishing season 2006 and start of fishing season 2007, respectively. In total, there are 40 finfish families identified during the sampling, 35 families in the end season while 33 families during the start season (Appendix 3). Other type of species caught during the sampling are the octopus (34.4 kg), squid (1.9 kg), crab (1.6 kg) and shrimp (.1 kg). The ten dominant families during the two seasons are presented in Fig. 12. During the end of fishing season 2006, Serranidae (Groupers) is the most common species caught, comprised of 26.8% (66.5 kg) of the total catch. It is followed by Carangidae (Jacks and

32 Pompanos) 16.9% (41.9 kg), Lutjanidae (Snappers) 9.2% (22.7 kg), Lethrinidae (Emperors) 8.5% (21.1 kg), Labridae (Wrasses) 5.1% (12.6 kg), Nemipteridae (Threadfin breams and Whiptail breams) 4% (10 kg), Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks) 3.9% (9.58 kg), Scombridae (Mackerels, Tuna) 3.6% (8.8 kg), Sphyraenidae (Barracudas) 3.4% (8.4 kg) and lastly the Siganidae (Rabbitfishes) 2.6% (6.4 kg), in decreasing order. Fish catch monitoring during the start of fishing season 2007 showed that Serranidae is still the dominant family group consists of 40.2% (131.8 kg) of the total catch. It is followed by the Carangidae 11.3% (37.1 kg), Lethrinidae 10.8% (35.4 kg), Nemipteridae 7.5% (24.6 kg), Labridae 5.1% (16.9 kg), Lutjanidae 4.4% (14.5 kg), Scombridae 3% (9.7 kg), Mullidae (Goatfishes) 2.9% (9.5 kg), Pseudochromidae 2.8% (9.3 kg) and Balistidae (Triggerfishes) 2.7% (8.7 kg). Majority of the catches was from Talung dakulu, followed by Nataktakan, Urul, Sabang, Kalawag, Balu-walu, and Paninggalan (Fig. 13). Overall, there were 35 fishing areas identified from the fish catch monitoring and are presented in Appendix 4.

Figure 10. Fishing areas used inside the ancestral domain showing different types of gears used by the Calamian Tagbanwa and non-Calamian Tagbanwa.

33 Figure 11. Fishing areas used inside the ancestral domain showing different types of boat used by the Calamian Tagbanwa and non-Calamian Tagbanwa.

The dominant species measured for both seasons are Plectropomus leopardus (Leopard coralgrouper), Lethrinus lentjan (pink ear emperor), Atule mate (yellowtail scad), Pentapodus trivittatus (three-striped whiptail), Labracinus cyclophthalmus (fire-tail devil) and Siganus argenteus (streamlined spinefoot). Fig. 14 shows the type of fishing gears used to catch these species. These are simple handlines (drop line - bira-bira, kawil, pakaway, pakintel-kintel, pakultang, ukrus-ukrus; drift line - subsub, tapil; jigger - sakbet), multiple handlines (bundak, taluntun) spear guns (jabaniku and tumatik), and bamboo sling gun (uslu-uslu) and gillnet (panti).

34 45 40 End of fishing season 35 Start of fishing season 30

25 20 15

% compostion 10 5

Mullidae Labridae Siganidae Balistidae Lutjanidae Lutjanidae Serranidae Lethrinidae Lethrinidae Carangidae

Scombridae Scombridae Nemipteridae Nemipteridae Sphyraenidae

Pseudochromidae Pseudochromidae 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Figure 12. Dominant families in the fish catch monitoring during the end of fishing season 2006 and start of season 2007.

Fishing areas during the fish catch monitoring 180

160 End of fishing season

140 Start of fishing season 120 100 80

No. of visits No. 60

20 0

Urul Buluk Talung Dakulu Sabang Kalawag Balu-walu Nataktakan

Paninggalan 12 3 4 5

Figure 13. Fishing areas during the fish catch monitoring.

35 100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0% End Start End Start End Start End Start Start End P. leopardus L. lentjan L. cyclophthalmus P. trivittatus A. mate S. argenteus

Drop line - bira-bira Drop line - kawil Dropline - pakaway Drop line - pakintel-kintel Drop line - pakultang

Drop line - ukrus-ukrus Drift line - subsub Drift line - tapil Multiple handline - bundak Multiple handline - taluntun

Jigger - sakbet Gill net - panti Spear gun - tumatik Spear gun with rope - jabaniku Bamboo tube sling gun - uslu-uslu

Figure 14. Distribution of catches per fishing gear of the most common species caught during the end and start of fishing season.

36 The minimum and maximum length and weight of the common species caught are listed in Table 8. Numerically, L. lentjan (n=179) constituted the main catch during the end of fishing season. It is followed by L. cyclopthalmus, then by P. leopardus, S. argenteus and P. trivittatus. By the start of fishing season, P. leopardus (n=334) is the dominant species caught, followed by L. lentjan and then by A. mate, P. trivittatus, and lastly, L. cyclopthalmus. The length frequencies of the most common species caught per season indicates the size groups available to be caught inside their ancestral waters (Fig 15-20). Table 9 shows the results of the length frequency analysis. During the end of season, some of the catches on P. trivittatus and L. cyclopthalmus were able to reach the length at first maturity before they were caught, on the other hand, during the start of season almost all of the species were caught before they reach the maturity size. Table 10 presents the estimates of the life history parameters of the species and the category in 2007 IUCN Red list. Among the most common species caught, P. leopardus and L. cyclopthalmus have a medium resilience to overfishing while the other 4 species have high resilience. P. leopardus is categorized as nearly threatened (NT), while the rest are not evaluated (NE). However, in the overall catches, 3 more species are listed in the IUCN Red list and are the following: Cheilinus undulatus (n=2) as endangered (EN), Taeniura lymma (n=7) as lower risk/near threatened (LR/nt) and Atelomycterus marmoratus (n=1) as near threatened (NT).

37 Table 8. Minimum and maximum length and weight of the most common species during the end and start of fishing season.

Family Species English / Local Name Season N Length (TL, cm) Weight (g)

Min Max Mean Min Max Mean

Carangidae Atule mate Yellowtail scad / Kalapatu Start 223 10 27.9 15.4 10 290 47.2

Lethrinidae Lethrinus lentjan Pink ear emperor / Sisyan End 179 9 63.9 15 10 470 55.4

Start 233 8.5 40 16.3 10 640 86.2

Nemipteridae Pentapodus trivittatus Three-striped whiptail / Silay End 62 9.3 26.7 16.3 0 240 59.3 Start 128 11 30 17.4 20 360 81

Pseudochromidae Labracinus cyclophthalmus Fire-taildevil / Ilad End 135 7.1 22.7 16.5 0 200 71 Start 123 9.3 29.5 16.8 20 390 75.8

Serranidae Plectropomus leopardus Leopard coralgrouper / Mambu End 103 8.7 43.5 24.1 40 780 192.5

Start 334 12.6 52 25 10 2000 205.2

Siganidae Siganus argenteus Streamlined spinefoot / Bararawan End 78 9.5 28.9 15.5 10 350 59.6

38 Table 9. Summary of results of the length frequency analysis of the most common species during the end and start of fishing season.

% of mature % of fish caught at % of mega-spawners Family Species Season N Lm1 Lopt2 Lmax3 specimens optimum length in the catch

Carangidae Atule mate Start 223 17.3 18 27.9 13 19.3 5.4

Lethrinidae Lethrinus lentjan End 179 36 42 63.9 1.1 0 1.1

Start 233 23.8 26 40 6.4 6.9 1.7

Pentapodus Nemipteridae End 62 16.7 17.2 26.7 44.4 42.9 17.5 trivittatus Start 128 18.5 19.3 30 46.1 46.9 10.2

Labracinus Pseudochromidae End 135 14.4 14.5 22.7 75.6 43 44.4 cyclophthalmus Start 123 18.2 19 29.5 41.5 49.6 2.4

Plectropomus Serranidae End 103 25.5 28.3 43.5 10.7 8.7 1.9 leopardus Start 334 30 34 52 31.1 39.8 4.5

Siganidae Siganus argenteus End 78 17.9 18.6 28.9 19.2 14.1 6.4

1 – Length at first maturity, 2 – Length at optimum yield, 3 – Maximum length

39 Table 10. Estimates of the life history parameters of the most common species during the end and start of fishing season.

IUCN Linf2 Lm Lopt Life Age at first Trophic Family Species Resilience Main food Category1 (cm) (cm) (cm) span3 maturity level4 33.66 19.65 20.81 mainly Carangidae Atule mate NE 3.51 0.89 High 4.4 TL TL TL animals 47.33 26.68 29.61 mainly Lethrinidae Lethrinus lentjan NE 5.95 1.43 High 4.2 TL TL TL animals Pentapodus 26.3 15.7 16.05 mainly Nemipteridae NE 4.70 1.20 High 3.6 trivittatus TL TL TL animals Labracinus 23.2 14.1 14.09 mainly Pseudochromidae NE 9.50 - Medium 4 cyclophthalmus TL TL TL animals Plectropomus 123.1 62.9 80.18 mainly Serranidae NT 13.81 2.90 Medium 4.5 leopardus SL SL SL animals mainly 34.76 20.22 21.55 Siganidae Siganus argenteus NE 3.79 0.95 High plants/ 2 TL TL TL detritus Source: www.fishbase.org, Aug 2007 version. 1 – IUCN Red List category (NE – not evaluated; NT – near threatened) 2 – Length at infinity/Asymptotic length; TL – total length; SL – standard length 3 – Approximate maximum age that fish of a given population would reach 4 – Rank of a species in a food web.

40 Atule mate 80.0 Start of fishing season (N = 223) a 70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0

Frequency 30.0

20.0

10.0

0.0

10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 16.5 17.5 18.5 19.5 20.5 21.5 22.5 23.5 24.5 25.5 26.5 27.5 Total length (cm) b

Figure 15. Size distribution of Atule mate (a) with result of length frequency analysis during the start season 2007 (b).

Lethrinus lentjan

40 End of fishing season (N = 179) a

36 Start of fishing season (N = 233)

20 Frequency 16

4 0 8.5

11.5 14.5 17.5 20.5 23.5 26.5 29.5 32.5 35.5 38.5 41.5 44.5 47.5 50.5 53.5 56.5 59.5 62.5 Total length (cm)

b c

Figure 16. Size distribution of Lethrinus lentjan for both seasons (a) and result of length frequency analysis during the end season 2006 (b) and start season 2007 (c).

42 Plectropomus leopardus

56.0 52.0 End of fishing season (N = 104) a 48.0 Start of fishing season (N = 334) 44.0 40.0 36.0 32.0 28.0

Frequency 24.0 20.0 16.0 12.0 8.0 4.0 0.0 8.5 10.5 12.5 14.5 16.5 18.5 20.5 22.5 24.5 26.5 28.5 30.5 32.5 34.5 36.5 38.5 40.5 42.5 44.5 46.5 48.5 50.5 52.5 Total length (cm)

b c

Figure 17. Size distribution of Plectropomus leopardus for both seasons (a) and result of length frequency analysis during the end season 2006 (b) and start season 2007 (c).

Pentapodus trivittatus

18.0 a 16.0 End of fishing season (N = 63) 14.0 Start of fishing season (N = 128) 12.0

10.0

8.0

Frequency 6.0 4.0

2.0

0.0

9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 16.5 17.5 18.5 19.5 20.5 21.5 22.5 23.5 24.5 25.5 26.5 27.5 28.5 29.5 30.5 Total length (cm) b c

Figure 18. Size distribution of Pentapodus trivittatus for both seasons (a) and result of length frequency analysis during the end season 2006 (b) and start season 2007 (c).

Labracinus cyclophthalmus

20.0 a 18.0 End of fishing season (N = 135) 16.0 Start of fishing season (N = 123)

14.0

12.0

10.0

Frequency 8.0 6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0

7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 16.5 17.5 18.5 19.5 20.5 21.5 22.5 23.5 24.5 25.5 26.5 27.5 28.5 29.5 Total length (cm)

b c

Figure 19. Size distribution of Labracinus cyclophthalmus for both seasons (a) and result of length frequency analysis during the end season 2006 (b) and start season 2007 (c).

Siganus argenteus

End of fishing season (N = 78) a 14

Frequency 6

9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 16.5 17.5 18.5 19.5 20.5 21.5 22.5 23.5 24.5 25.5 26.5 27.5 28.5 Total length (cm)

Figure 20. Size distribution of Siganus argenteus (a) and result of length frequency analysis during the end season 2006 (b).

46 4.1.3 Catch per Unit Effort The average catch of fish per day of the Calamian Tagbanwa is 1.32 kg and 1.18 kg during the end of season 2006 and start of season 2007, respectively (Table 11). The length of fishing trip is almost 8 hours for both seasons, starting from the shore up to the fishing ground and back to their landing areas. The total number of fishing trips recorded is higher during the start compared to the end of fishing season. This can be attributed to the fact that southwest monsoon gives a calm sea fronting the two villages. Breakdown of fishing trips during the end season 2006 and start of season 2007 is presented in Appendix 5. The Calamian Tagbanwa employed different types of fishing gears in fishing (Table 11). Among them are the simple handlines and hand instruments. The paagus and tapil, which are two types of simple handlines, were more efficient than the hand instrument, tumatik. Though the latter, has the highest catch per unit of effort among the hand instruments used. To cite, an estimated 0.51 kg was caught per hour by using paagus and 0.40 kg by using tapil. A fisher caught only 0.21 kg per hour when tumatik was used. Another gear used in the area is the gill net, specifically the panti, which catches an estimated 1.28 kg per hour of fishing. Table 11. Average catch per season and different gears used by the Calamian Tagbanwa End of the fishing season Start of fishing season Average catch per trip 1.32 kg 1.18 kg Average length of trip 8:02 hr 7:59 hr Total number of fishing trips 238 279 Total number of fishers participated 116 101 Total number of type of fishing gears used 16 12 Type of Gear Average Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE kg/hr) Simple handlines Drop line Bira-bira 0.12 0.14 Kawil 0.33 0.18 Pakaway - 0.15 Pakintel-kintel 0.17 0.13 Pakultang 0.18 - Ukrus-ukrus 0.08 0.14 Drift line Paagus 0.51 - Tapil 0.27 0.40 Subsub 0.15 0.17 Jigger Sakbet 0.12 - Multiple handlines Bundak 0.30 0.13 Taluntun 0.13 0.14 Hand Instruments Spear gun with rope (Jabaniku) 0.13 - Spear gun (Tumatik) 0.21 - Bamboo tube sling gun (Uslu-uslu) 0.16 - Gill net Panti 0.36 1.28

47 4.1.4 Gear ownership and fishing methods Table 12 shows the different fishing gears owned by the Calamian Tagbanwa. Most of them have small double outrigger canoes, with only a few (n=45) owning a motorboat (usually with 5-10 HP engines). It is observed that traditional hand instruments like talapang (1.6%), getab (1.3%), tundalisa (1.2%) and sangaan (0.4%) are used by few fishers. The use of bira-bira (11.5%), ukrus-ukrus (10.6%) to catch groupers and tora-tora (11.2%) for octopus clearly showed that they are influenced by the demand of the market in Coron. Examples of fishing gears used by the Calamian Tagbanwa fishermen are presented in Appendix 6. Fishers were asked how often they used their fishing gear during the two seasons. Simple handlines like dropline (n=81) is preferred during the southwest monsoon because the sea is calm while hand instruments like spear guns (n=42), spear and nets are preferred during the northeast monsoon (Fig.21). Table 12. Fishing gears owned by the Calamian Tagbanwa. Fishing Gear Frequency Percent Boat Double outrigger canoe with sail (Barutung may layag) 32 4.2 Double outrigger canoe without sail (Barutung walang layag) 60 7.8 Raft (Balsa or Binlay) 21 2.7 Dugout-canoe, flat bottomed type with one outrigger or none 2 0.3 (Bandung) Motorboat (Bankang may motor) 45 5.8 Nets Gillnet (Panti) 19 2.5 Skimming net (Sakag) 4 0.5 Hand instruments Spear (Sangaan) 3 0.4 Spear (Talapang) 12 1.6 Harpoon (Getab) 10 1.3 Spear gun (Tumatik) 70 9.1 Spear gun with rope (Jabaniku) 29 3.8 Bamboo tube sling gun (Uslu-uslu) 50 6.5 Spear-trident (Tundalisa) 9 1.2 Simple handlines Drop line (Bira-bira) 89 11.5 Drop line (Ukrus-ukrus) 82 10.6 Octopus luring device (Bitsoy) 56 7.3 Octopus luring device (Tora-tora) 86 11.2 Squid jigger (Ulang-ulang) 76 9.9 Others (Pakintel-kintel, Taluntun, Pakaway, Bundak) 16 2.1

48 Fishing gears by season

Squid jigger (Ulang-ulang)

Octopus luring device (Bitsoy)

Octopus luring device (Tora-tora)

Drop line with sinker (Ukrus-ukrus)

Drop line(Bira-bira)

Spear trident (Tundalisa)

Bamboo tube sling gun (Uslu-uslu)

Spear gun with rope (Jabaniku)

Spear gun (Tumatik)

Harpoon (Getab)

Spear (Sangaan)

Spear (Talapang) Northeast monsoon (Kamian) Skimming net (Sakag) Southwest moonsoon (Abagat) Gillnet (Panti)

0 102030405060708090 Frequency

Figure 21. Preferred fishing gears during northeast monsoon and southwest monsoon.

4.1.5 Fishing history and skills The majority of the respondents (83%) indicated that they are originally from the two villages (Banwang Daan and Cabugao) (x2 = 45.33, p=.001). In the custom of marriage of the Calamian Tagbanwa, the males are the ones moving where the females reside. In this case, fishers from Banwang Daan move to Cabugao and vice versa. Other respondents (17%), who answered that they are not originally from the two villages, came from nearby islands in the Calamianes like Bulalacao, Culion, Lajala, Tara, and Turda and as far as Bicol. This indicates intermarriage between Tagbanwa and other ethnic group like the Bicolano. When asked about since when they have arrived in Coron, some of them were there since 1973 to 1989 (n=7) and others have just transferred in 1992 to 2007 (n=9). Fishers were asked also to rank their mostly visited fishing grounds which complemented with the actual fish catch monitoring data and the mapping (Fig. 22). Most of the fishers fished six (33.3%) or five (18.2%) times a week (Fig. 23).

49 80 Talung Dakulu 70

40 30 20 10

0 60 Nataktakan 50

0 50 Talung Gesye

0 Most visited Often visited Seldom visited Figure 22. Mostly visited traditional fishing grounds of the Calamian Tagbanwa.

15 Number 10 5

0 1234567 Frequency of fishing in a week

Figure 23. Frequency of fishing in a week

50 Of the respondents, almost all of them (93%) responded that they have always fished for their living and 74% considered themselves as fulltime fisherman (x2=75.92, p=.001; x2=22.58, p=.001, respectively). In Fig. 24a, 78% of the respondents were fishing for more than 15 years, others (12%) fished 11-15 years (x2=156.58, p=.001). For those who do not consider themselves as fulltime fishermen, during northeast monsoon, they are into harvesting of edible birds nest (n=23). They have inherited caves from their parents or they search for caves that have swiftlets (Callocalia troglodytes) nests inside their domain. On the other hand, farming (n=32) is one of their livelihood options, especially the elderly. Women are also engaged into farming (n=42) and mat weaving (n=24) as their primary occupation. Majority of the respondents were able to go to school, reaching grade 4 (n=25), followed by grade 6 (n=19). Baptist (n=60) is the most common religious affiliation of the respondents, followed by Roman Catholic (n=36). During the start of their careers as fishermen, they were mostly taught by their fathers (61%, Fig. 24b). Others learn by themselves (21%) or through their brothers (9%). When they learn how to fish, they just go out in the shore to practice, borrowing canoe from their father or relative. This is verified when the respondents answered they began their fishing alone (40%) or with friends (30%). It was seldom for their brother (20%) and father (10%) to come along with them (Fig 24c).

0 O n - 5 t c b 6 h - a le c 1 y e Father 0 r r 5 s s y % 5 Alone r 4 10% s % % 21% Others 11-15 yrs 5 % Brother 12% 40% Brother 20% >15 yrs 9% Father 78% 61% Friend

30%

Figure 24. Years of fishing (a), mentor in fishing (b), companion in fishing (c).

Of the respondents, 78.4% (n=80) are skilled in hook and line, 9.8% (n=10) are into spear guns, 7.8% (n=8) are into octopus luring device, others are into gillnet, gathering of shells and spearing for sea cucumber (Fig. 25). The fathers of all respondents were also skilled in hook and line (47.2%), but they shared that before, materials used were not nylon strings, they had indigenous materials available in the island, they are also skilled in using spear guns (39.3%) and gathering of sea shells (7.9%). It is evident in the graph that majority of them are using hook and line as their fishing gear.

51 30 50 Father Son 40 20 30

Frequency 20 10

0 0

Respondent 70 Brother 90 80 60 70 50 60 40 50 30 40 Frenquency 30 20 20 10 10 0 0 Hook and Spear Octopus Gillnet Shells Spear Hook and Spear Octopus Gillnet Shells Spear Line Gun Luring Trident Line Gun Luring Trident Device Device Figure 25. Fishing skills acquired through time.

4.1.6 Gleaning Activity Apart from taking care of the family and household chores, Calamian Tagbanwa women are engaged in fisheries. Many respondents revealed that their wives (n=51) or their children (n=36) are involved in reef gleaning. While others (n=32) indicated that none in the household does this activity because their children are too young and the wife is focused on taking care of the family. Different species are collected depending on their target. Crabs are collected in the mangroves using their hands or sometimes with the assistance of knife or bamboo sticks. Sea urchins, sea shells, seaweeds and other reef fish are mostly collected in seagrass and rocky reef using the axe, knife or spears. Reef gleaning is carried out mostly during the day when the tide is low and lasts for about two hours. It is rare for them to glean at night time. They usually bring baskets or plastic containers to put their harvest. The harvests are primarily for consumption, and these range from 1–3 kg per day (usually 1 container contains 10 to 20 pieces of shells).

52 4.2 Cultural and spiritual beliefs on marine resources and taboo areas Based on the categories of Colding and Folke (1997, 2001), cultural beliefs of the Calamian Tagbanwa are in the form of segment and habitat taboos. As shared by the respondents, among the fish families that are avoided for consumption are the Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes), Rabbitfishes (Siganidae), Damselfishes (Pomacentridae), and among others (Table 13). Another family of fish avoided is the Tetraodontidae (Puffers) due to the poisonous toxin it contains. Although, one respondent shared that they can be eaten as long as one knows how to remove the toxins from the species. Apart from the species to be avoided for consumption, there are also species that are prohibited for catching. Respondents were asked to what species they are avoiding to catch, most of the answers are the whale sharks, stonefish, sharks, stingrays, sea cows and among others (Table 13). Table 13. Species avoided for consumption and catch. Local name Family Species # of quote Consumption Butiti Tetraodontidae (Pufferfishes) 67 Bagitan Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes) Naso spp. 20 Palata Pomacentridae (Damselfishes) Pomacentrus spp. 11 Bararawan Siganidae (Rabbitfishes) Siganus spp. 10 Tabangka Opistognathidae (Jawfishes) Opistognathus spp. 7

Catch Butanding Rhincodontidae (Whale shark) Rhincodon typus 15 Pating Carcharinidae (Sharks) 14 Pali Dasyatidae (Stingrays) 14 Bantul Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes) 14 Bantutu Whales 12 Lumba Dolphins 11 Kawatwun Frogfishes 11 Ranuy-ranuy Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes) 11

Habitat taboos can be correlated to the existing restricted areas in the form of fish sanctuaries and sacred areas in the ancestral waters. The ADMP identified several restricted and sacred areas. During the interviews, respondents were asked whether they still avoided, visited or fished in the identified restricted and sacred areas. Figures 26 and 27 illustrate the fishing practice inside the ancestral waters. Kalis and Banalo are the most fished restricted areas, while Amlaran and Pakerepan in sacred areas. However, according to elders, passing thru the vicinity of the sacred areas is not prohibited, only when one directly pass by the main sacred area. Some fishers have already visited and fished in their restricted and sacred areas. Calamian Tagbanwa responses can be separated into two, those that are still in observance of the taboos and otherwise. Spearman correlation was used to test whether there was a correlation in their observance of obeying the customary rules in restricted and sacred areas with their age and education, and results show that both are weakly correlated (rs Age = 0.09; Education = 0.08). Other factors may also contribute to their fishing behavior, hence worth further study.

Restricted areas inside the ancestral domain

Luuk Fished Pukaway Visited Avoided Sempakan

Tambelen

Laknisan Dinuksulan Kalis Sugod Banalo Kayangaan

0 20406080100

Figure 26. Status of restricted areas inside the ancestral domain.

Sacred areas inside the ancestral domain

Salamagi Fished

Manlalayag Visited Avoided Sampaga

Amlaran

Pakerepan

0 20406080100

Figure 27. Status of sacred areas inside the ancestral domain.

54 5 Discussion 5.1 Fishing activity and resource use pattern 5.1.1 Mapping of fishing areas Three traditional fishing grounds are used by the Calamian Tagbanwa for their daily consumption and livelihood since the time of their ancestors. These are the Talung dakulu, Talung gesye and Nataktakan reefs. Among the three fishing grounds, Talung gesye was rarely visited because it is deeper. Talung dakulu was the most visited fishing ground during the mapping. Similarly, results in the fish catch monitoring and ethnographic interviews showed that Talung dakulu was the preferred fishing area (Fig. 13 and 22). The accessibility of Talung dakulu to the home of fishers makes it one of the targets. Also, the wind direction dictates the target fishing areas among Calamian Tagbanwa. When the sea is rough, the fishers tend to fish in the nearby fishing areas. According to the fishers, when northeast monsoon comes, they can not fish farther because they will invest time and effort going to distant fishing areas, given that fishing is being carried out mostly from small double outrigger paddled canoe or raft. According to their customary laws (Article 4 Section 8), all big commercial fishing boats, illegal fishing boats, illegal fishing paraphernalia and illegal fishing methods are prohibited in the ancestral waters. Non-Calamian Tagbanwa fishers are required to coordinate from the Tagbanwa Tribe Association for the use of natural resources inside the ancestral waters. There was a plan to approach the non-Calamian Tagbanwa spotted during the mapping, however, it was risky as the Calamian Tagbanwa who accompanied us shared that sometimes these people are armed. This was surprising though, the Calamian Tagbanwa who has a legal right over their ancestral waters is somehow afraid of contesting a non-Calamian Tagbanwa. According to the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (MFARMC), there are a lot of incident reports of illegal fishing inside the ancestral waters, especially in Delian Island. In fact, during the fish catch monitoring of the end season 2006, three dynamite fishing incidents were observed in the reef in front of Barangay Cabugao. Conflicts between the commercial and illegal fishers and the Calamian Tagbanwa are noticeable for almost several years now. In 2005, the Barangay Captain of Cabugao had shared when they approached fishers inside their ancestral waters, sometimes dynamite are thrown before they can even come near to the fishing area (Sampang 2005). In a study made by Begossi (2006), competition with commercial fishing is also one of the problems of the artisanal Brazilian fishers. Using the temporal stability of fishing spots used by the fishers in conjunction with their local rules, Begossi recommends that these can be used to support the case for local co- management in the area. The fishing areas used among by the Brazilian fishers are nonoverlapping, demonstrating an informal division that can be useful for conservation purposes. Conversely, the Calamian Tagbanwa had already established the boundaries and their right over their ancestral domain. They have their ADMP to support their customary rules inside the ancestral waters. Yet sometimes the Calamian Tagbanwa is having difficulties in having their claims on illegal fishing attended to. There is a need to exercise the rights of the Calamian Tagbanwa over their claimed ancestral waters. However, the lack of support from the local government unit is one of the observed constraints. 5.1.2 Fish catch monitoring Three simple indicators to deal with overfishing are the percentage of mature specimens in the catch, percentage of fish caught at optimum length and lastly, percentage of old, large fish in the catch (Froese 2004). Given the short length of sampling period, precautions were made in the

55 interpretation of the results. The length frequencies of fish caught (Fig 15-20, Table 9) reflect the sizes of fishes available in the fishing grounds of the Calamian Tagbanwa. During the monitoring, the bulk of the catches are smaller than the length at first maturity. According to the fishers, sizes of the fishes inside their ancestral waters are getting smaller and smaller. Other reasons for the decreasing size of the fish caught in the area may be the destructive fishing activities in the past decades and the possibility that the area is a nursery ground for these species. Unfortunately, it requires a longer time to prove the last reason. The Calamian Tagbanwa catches fish mainly for subsistence. Only a few families are engaged in small-scale commercial trading of live groupers and fresh fish and octopus. Their catches are limited to what can be sold or consumed for the day since electricity is absent in the island. P. leopardus (Fig 17), is one of the most economically important fish for the Calamian Tagbanwa. When sold live to Coron town, the price of the species will range from $1-46 (PHP50-2000), depending on the size of the fish. L. cyclophthalmus is preferred for home consumption because this species has low market value and costs less than $1 per kilogram. Although, ~70% of the groupers measured are for home consumption, the percentage of mature specimen present in the catches of P. leopardus during the end of fishing season is only 10.7% while during the start of season, 31.1%. There is a tendency for growth and recruitment overfishing if the current exploitation pattern continues and if not monitored. The same situation is seen among A. mate (Fig. 15), L. lentjan (Fig. 16), and S. argenteus (Fig 20), although some of the catches of L. cyclophthalmus (Fig. 19) and P. trivittatus (Fig 18) were above the maturity size. This situation created some concern among Calamian Tagbanwa because catching juvenile species is prohibited in their customary laws (Section 51). The Council of Elders, officials of the Barangay and Tagbanwa Tribe association expressed that there should be a strict compliance with their customary laws during the group discussion. The officials are also intense to improve their management and possibly look for other management options (i.e. issues on migrant fishers from other provinces). Environmental awareness among fishers was also highlighted. An example of restriction identified is the size of the hook utilized by the fishers. Hook and lines are generally non-selective and spawning or juvenile fish will likely to be caught.

5.1.3 Catch per Unit Effort More than 10 years ago, the recorded average catch per hour of fishing was 3 kg (Luchavez 1991). In this study, an average catch of fisher is less than 2 kg per hour of fishing. Many fishers recall that in the past, fish are bountiful in their areas. Nowadays, you are fortunate if your catch is more than 3 kg per day. According to the fishers, catches are higher and with less effort in the past using the handlines and spears. There is no need to go to distant fishing areas to get fish for their consumption and livelihood. The decreasing catch of Calamian Tagbanwa can be attributed to several reports for Calamianes Group of Islands. There are indications of overfishing and environmental degradation due to destructive fishing, such as cyanide and dynamite (Luchavez 1991, Werner and Allen 2000, Pomeroy et al. 2005). According to the elders, the traditional fishing grounds of the Calamian Tagbanwa are subject to this destruction.

5.1.4 Gear Ownership In the past, sea cucumber and sea shells such as samung (Trochus sp.) were the ones being traded to Chinese merchants by the Calamian Tagbanwa. Fishers during the group discussion

56 attest that there is a decrease in number of sea cucumber found in their ancestral waters. This can be attributed to the low number of fishers owning a tundalisa. The same situation is seen with some of the traditional fishing gears like the sangaan, talapang and getab. Only a few of them owned this kind of gear because these are intended for large species of fish. According to Pomeroy et al. 2005, Palawan is one of the major suppliers of live reef food fish and Calamianes Group of Islands as being the center for the trade. This can be attributed to the high number of fishers owning a dropline such as bira-bira and ukrus-ukrus that are used to catch live groupers. In addition, elders shared that as time goes by, their fishing gears are changing due to the modernization of fishing materials being used. The influence and competition among migrants inside their ancestral waters is also another reason. The introduction of octopus luring device and other simple handlines using silk as artificial bait by the migrants during the 90s showed some changes on the target species of the Calamian Tagbanwa. Fig. 27 presents the historical timeline of the fishing gears used by the Calamian Tagbanwa. Some of the traditional nets like puut and laman made of natural fibers are already extinct and replaced by panti, using synthetic materials. The results of the inventory of fishing gears owned by the fishers motivated the need to preserve the gears used by their ancestors through building a small museum. The museum will also inform non-Calamian Tagbanwa about their culture and tradition. 5.1.5 Fishing history and skills Transmission of knowledge on fishing is obvious among Calamian Tagbanwa. As early as 6 or 7 years old, the children are being taught how to make their fishing gears, or sometimes out of curiosity, the children try to explore how to fish. The knowledge of the habitat of fish species, diet, among others are just some of the useful information they know and interestingly, this knowledge is passed down to their children through folk stories. As time went by, fishing skills of the Calamian Tagbanwa evolved. According to the elders, their ancestors are more into hand instruments like spears for sea cucumber, spear guns and gathering of sea shells. Nowadays, the younger generations are more into hook and line. Fishing requires gear preparation. Normally, they prepare their fishing gears after they arrive from their trip. Cooperation among the fishers was observed while preparing their gears, such as lending materials to each other. Baits are collected in the mangroves before their fishing trip or while fishing such as squids, shrimps and other fishes. Almost all of them leave their villages around six o’clock in the morning until three in the afternoon. Whenever they catch live groupers, those who owned motorboats deliver them to fish buyers in Coron town. They share the expenses for the gasoline consumed and money paid for the live or fresh fish are used to buy rice and other basic goods. The growing demand for fresh and live fish altered the way the Calamian Tagbanwa live along with the rapid changes in their traditional fishing grounds. The high demand for fresh and live fish and changes in the fishing gear used is affecting their fishing practices as well as the lifestyles of the Calamian Tagbanwa.

57 Ukrus-ukrus (dropline)

Lambat (net), Sakag (skimming net)

Uslu-uslu (Bamboo tube sling gun)

Jabaniku (spear gun with rope), Bira-bira (simple hook and line)

Talapang (spear), Tumatik (spear gun)

Laman (cast net)

Sangaan (spear)

Puut (gillnet)

12th 19th century 1920 1950 1960 1965 1969 1980 1989 1990 1991 1995 2005

Tundalisa (spear)

Ulang-ulang (squid jigger)

Bitsoy (octopus luring device) Tora-tora (octopus luring device)

Source: Adapted from Sampang 2005 Figure 28. Historical timeline of the fishing gears used by the Calamian Tagbanwa.

58 5.1.6 Gleaning Activity Reef gleaning is more of an activity of women while fishing is more of the men. They bring along their younger children and walk along the reef flats to collect sea shells and other invertebrates, in cases where the catch is too small for their family. Some of the fishes caught during gleaning are salted and dried. Others are put into boiling water and seasoned with tamarind and other local seasoning. Sea shells are blanched before eating. It is very rare to sell what they have gathered. They only sell their harvest in case they lack rice. Sometimes, they just exchange some of their harvest for rice. According to them, shells have little commercial value. The price of collected shells if to be sold, costs around <$1 (PHP 10–30) per container while crabs cost around >$1 (PHP 60) per kilogram. 5.2 Cultural and spiritual beliefs on marine resources and taboo areas There is a prevailing belief among Calamian Tagbanwa that there are fish species to be avoided by women after childbirth. These species are avoided because of their abundant fat and may pose a health risk to the mothers. According to the elders, this belief was passed down to them, but no one can tell where this belief originated. However, at present there are some Calamian Tagbanwa mothers who do not practice this anymore, because they think that it will not cause harm to their health. Aside from species avoided for consumption, in article 4 section 52 of their customary law, it is prohibited to catch whales, dolphins and sea cows. During the interviews, fishers also quoted whale sharks as being avoided. There are a lot of taboos when fishing or just traversing inside the ancestral waters. Saying of bad words (prohibited by the elders) or name of an animal like dog, cow, pig or octopus is not allowed. They are not allowed to bring money, comb, mirror or anything that has a strong smell like ginger because it is a bad luck (Sampang 2005). Sacred areas, locally known as panyaan, are areas in the sea where the Calamian Tagbanwa believe that a giant and human- like octopus or pugita dwell. It will bring harm to anyone who goes there with a wrong motive or who does not behave properly. They believe that a giant octopus will pull down the boat. Aside from the sea, lakes are considered as sacred as well. But not all sacred and restricted areas are identified in the ancestral domain map. This was also for the protection of the Calamian Tagbanwa against intruders. During the duration of the study, a fisher experienced this kind of phenomenon of capsizing. Until now, his boat was not recovered from the area. Certainly now, he know and believes that wrong motives in going to sacred areas will bring him harm. He shared his experience to all the members of the community, and testified that he was fortunate that he is still alive. This kind of testimony somehow has rekindled their traditional value over sacred areas. The observance of customary law depends on the behavior and motivations of the fisher. Two point of views emerged during the interviews. Those who are still in observance of the customs at the sea have high respect with what the elderly have said about sacred and restricted areas. Some are not interested to go without a definite purpose, afraid of the spirits dwelling in the areas and strong belief that bad things can still happen. On the other hand, fishers trying to explore their restricted and sacred areas are due to competition among migrants for the marine resource, self-discoveries, no bad things can happen to them and change in religious belief system. The erosion of traditional value and belief system on sacred and restricted area is seen in the fishing practice among Calamian Tagbanwa. According to the elders, in the past, customary rules are effective; nowadays some are no longer followed. The younger generations are also influenced by the developments in the Calamianes region. Modernization and urbanization tend to affect the values of the young Calamian Tagbanwa. Violators of the

59 customary laws are punished by indigenous punishments such as panglaw (hands are tied and feet placed inside the holes of a wooden contraption), this will last for 5 days and in full view of the public and burdun (12 lashes of rattan cane) supervised by the Council of Elders. However, the enforcement of this punishment is slowly disappearing. 5.3 Challenges in the ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa During the meetings, elders attested that increasing number of migrants in their ancestral domain pose a risk not only on the natural resources as well as their culture. They had been carefully protecting their restricted and sacred areas; however, due to the influx of migrants as well as tourism, their unusually pristine areas are now being altered. Selfish motives brought destruction to some of the limestone, especially in Delian Island. According to the Chairman of the Tagbanwa Tribe, migrants in the area cut the limestone to be used as sinker for their fishing lines. The cutting of limestone is reaching Coron Island as well, particularly in Calis Point. Taboo areas around Coron Island serve as a reminder of their own culture and knowledge. Apparently, the current status of these areas is giving an indication that they are not respected by the non-Calamian Tagbanwa. Even the Calamian Tagbanwa fishers’ behaviors nowadays are shaped by the influential activities of the migrants. Conversely, it is also a question of how one will survive if what is used to be plenty in the past are now becoming empty. Fishers have a tendency to look for ways to survive and provide for their family’s basic needs. The traditional fishing grounds are their life support system. With the growing number of migrants and poverty of fishers, sometimes traditional values will be compromised for their own survival, as now with the case of their taboo areas. Management of indigenous small-scale fishing community like the Calamian Tagbanwa is rather intensive. Small-scale fisheries are characterized by multi-species stocks targeted by multiple fishing gears and in order to manage such fisheries, broad understanding of the human behavior is imperative (Jentoft 1998 cited in Sabetian 2002, Berkes 2003, and Andrew 2007). Fisheries are described as an integrated social-ecological systems and resilience is one of the emergent properties. Resilience refers to “ability of the complex systems to absorb shocks, self-organize, learn and adapt” (Berkes 2003:16). How a small-scale fishing community adapt to the rapid changes of the environment, is one of the questions that resource managers, among others are facing nowadays. Andrew et al (2007), suggested a general scheme in diagnosing and managing small-scale fisheries, these approach draws from several theories and methods and can be adapted in small-scale fisheries in developing world. This general scheme worth further testing and somehow can be verified in the case of the Calamian Tagbanwa, taking into account that they are in the midst of experiencing pressures from internal and external factors. Resiliency of the fishery of the Calamian Tagbanwa is important because this is their way and source of life. The case of the Calamian Tagbanwa is too good to be true. They have already the legal right over their ancestral domain in the form of CADT; however, somehow they are still marginalized. The NCIP has supported and protected the rights of the indigenous peoples and programs were offered to capacitate them by local partners such as NGOs and academe. However, in some ways the role of local partners sometimes leads to more problematic scene.

60 6 Conclusions Coron Island, ancestral domain of the Calamian Tagbanwa is truly one of a kind. It is both biologically and culturally diverse. Certainly, this domain must be preserved to cater the needs of the Calamian Tagbanwa. This research study covered aspects of the fishing activities and resource use pattern and cultural and spiritual beliefs among Calamian Tagbanwa in the ancestral waters. It provided insights to the actual fishing activities of fishers towards biodiversity conservation and sustainability using the customary laws operating in the domain. The findings of the study are as follows:

Fishing activities and resource use patterns • Fishing is the main activity of the Calamian Tagbanwa, though farming and gathering of edible bird’s nest are also practiced by the others. Fishing is mainly for subsistence, few engaged into small-scale trading of live and fresh marine resources such as fish and octopus. Women are mostly involved in reef gleaning. Fishers still target fishing locations that are traditionally used by their ancestors, Talung dakulu, Talung gesye and Nataktakan reefs. Groupers are the most commonly caught species. The average catch per fisher is 1.32 and 1.18 kg per hour during the end and start of fishing season, respectively. Fishing consumes almost 8 hours per trip. Traditional fishing gears and fishing skills of the elders are fast disappearing in relation to dwindling fishery stocks inside the ancestral waters and trend in the use of fishing gears are market driven. Calamian Tagbanwa fishing activities and resource use patterns adapts to the changing demand of the market for survival. Migrants’ fishing activities threatened traditional fishing grounds. Cultural and spiritual beliefs • Cultural and spiritual beliefs are in the form of food and habitat taboos. Some fish species are avoided for consumption, rooted from a cultural belief that they may pose a health risk, especially for women after childbirth. Restricted areas like fish sanctuaries and sacred areas around the island where Calamian Tagbanwa believed giant, human-like octopus dwell are compromised and exposed to fishing due to the presence and competition among migrants, self-discoveries and change in lifestyle and beliefs. The Calamian Tagbanwa, having given the overall authority, plays a major role in the conservation and protection of their ancestral homeland. The greatest challenge to conservation of marine biological diversity and sustainability, as in the case of fisheries is the understanding of the behavior of resource users. Influencing the behavior of the users is imperative in the management of an area. Moreover, there is a need to understand the reasons behind cultural and spiritual beliefs and their motivations. Coron Island, an example of an indigenous small- scale fishing community is not exempted from external threats (environmental or economic). With the increasing demand for food fish in domestic and international markets and ecotourism, increasing external pressures may come in their ancestral waters if not properly monitored.

61 7 Recommendations The Calamian Tagbanwa is in the process of converting their ADMP to ADSDPP, the following are the recommendations based on the findings of this research: • Reassessment of the existing Ancestral Domain Management Plan The existing ADMP of the Calamian Tagbanwa covers regulatory framework of laws pertinent to their legal rights in the ancestral domain, indigenous punishments, customary laws and the Kayangan lake management, and among others. Baseline studies for a sustainable fisheries management plan utilizing the traditional ecological knowledge of the Calamian Tagbanwa should be prioritized. The Calamian Tagbanwa has been steadfast on restricting research and monitoring activities inside the island because of misrepresentation of motives, thus, it is imperative to undergo the free and prior informed consent process. Seeking help from external agencies can help in the documentation and facilitation in the development of the ADSDPP. • Capacity building and Environmental Awareness The lack of education, information and training of the Calamian Tagbanwa makes them vulnerable to external threats. The lack of education is related to the livelihood opportunities of the Calamian Tagbanwa. Elementary schools existing in the island should incorporate environmental awareness programs. Elders should have session with Calamian Tagbanwa youth, so that there is a continuous transmission of knowledge and cultural practices. Cultural integrity and identity should not be compromised. Fishers should also be aware and educated of the environmental impacts of the fishing activities in relation to biodiversity conservation and sustainability. Regular involvement in meetings of TTCIA officials in the local government units will help them be aware of the adaptive management they will implement. Training and equipping the Calamian Tagbanwa youth to deal with external threats and manipulations will have an assurance that Coron Island and Calamian Tagbanwa culture will be protected. • Recognition and support from government units and local partners Despite of the CADT of the Calamian Tagbanwa, lack of government support is still manifested in Coron Island (i.e. monitoring/enforcement of law on illegal fishing activities, ordinance from the municipality recognizing their legal right over the ancestral domain can be of help to the Calamian Tagbanwa to gain respect from non-Calamian Tagbanwa). Help provided by external agencies like NGOs, academe, among others, are sometimes intermittent. Such programs being offered by the external agencies should therefore be holistic in such a way that if funding is already limited, there is a continuum of activities learned during the process.

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66 9 Appendices Appendix 1. List of informants participated in the study.

Banwang Daan Lastname Firstname Participation Role Abella Armel EI TTCIA Member Abella Balbino EI, FGD TTCIA Member Abella Bienvenido GA Barangay Kagawad Abella Dandino EI TTCIA Member Abella Gonzalo FGD, GA Council of Elders Abella Ignacio EI, FGD, GA Barangay Kagawad Abella Jaidy EI TTCIA Member Abella Jarmy EI TTCIA Member Abella Jeorly EI TTCIA Secretary Abella John Rey EI TTCIA Member Abella Junly EI TTCIA Member Abella Larry EI TTCIA Member Abella Lenario EI TTCIA Member Abella Roy FGD, GA TTCIA Member Abella Toledo EI, FGD TTCIA Board Member Abrasada Yhalie FGD TTCIA Member Aguilar Arnel EI TTCIA Member Aguilar Dina FGD TTCIA Member Aguilar Enersto FGD, GA Council of Elders Aguilar Esther GA TTCIA Member Aguilar Florita FGD TTCIA Member Aguilar Garvacios EI TTCIA Member Aguilar Hernando EI, FGD TTCIA Member Aguilar Jason EI TTCIA Member Aguilar Jhonny EI TTCIA Member Aguilar Merlito EI TTCIA Member Aguilar Rogildo FGD, GA Barangay Chairman Aguilar Salvador EI, GA TTCIA Member Aguilar Teopisto EI, FGD TTCIA Member Aguilar William EI TTCIA Member Apoin Domedes EI TTCIA Member Apolinario Jonathan EI TTCIA Member Bering Danilo EI TTCIA Member Bering Rolly EI TTCIA Member Calix Jorgelyn FGD TTCIA Member Daculios Luming GA TTCIA Member Dacullios Cherry GA TTCIA Member

67 Appendix 1 (cont) LastName FirstName Participation Role Dacullios Danny EI, GA TTCIA Member Dacullios Fred EI, GA TTCIA Member Dacullios Manilyn GA TTCIA Member Dacullios Nemesio EI, FGD, GA TTCIA Board Member, Barangay Kagawad Dacullios Renante GA TTCIA Member Labitag Fernando EI TTCIA Member Labog Abraham EI TTCIA Member Languyod Agaton EI, FGD Council of Elders, Barangay Kagawad Languyod Gandencio EI TTCIA Member Languyod Nilo EI, GA TTCIA Member Languyod Oscar EI TTCIA Member Lungsod Alfonso FGD Council of Elders Lungsod Lemtanio EI TTCIA Member Lungsod Lorito EI, FGD TTCIA Member Lungsod Pedito EI TTCIA Member Lungsod Ramon EI TTCIA Member Maglicante Anastacio FGD Council of Elders Manuel Jormy EI TTCIA Member Mayunado Jessie GA TTCIA Member Mayunado Joseph EI, GA TTCIA Member Morales Bernard FGD TTCIA Member Panday Sardo EI TTCIA Member Salva Fernando EI TTCIA Treasurer Sinamay Noli EI TTCIA Member Victorino Junior EI TTCIA Member Cabugao Abella Bobby EI TTCIA Member Abella Catalino EI TTCIA Member Abella Elizabeth GA TTCIA Member Abella Ereceo EI TTCIA Member Abella Esio GA TTCIA Member Abella Fausto EI, FGD, GA TTCIA Member Abella Fidel EI TTCIA Member Abella Gomer EI TTCIA Member Abella Jake EI TTCIA Member Abella Jasmin GA TTCIA Member Abella JK EI TTCIA Member Abella Johny FGD TTCIA Member Abella Jovany FGD TTCIA Member Abella Mirasol EI, GA TTCIA Member Abella Morina GA TTCIA Member

68 Appendix 1 (cont) LastName FirstName Participation Role Abella Nicholas EI, GA TTCIA Member Abella Paulo EI, FGD, GA TTCIA Member Aguedo Rosen EI TTCIA Member Aguilar Arnold EI, GA TTCIA Member Aguilar Ben FGD, GA Council of Elders Aguilar Brando EI TTCIA Member Aguilar Connelia GA TTCIA Member Aguilar Edualino FGD, GA TTCIA Member Aguilar Edwin FGD, GA TTCIA Member Aguilar Joket EI TTCIA Member Aguilar Manabat GA TTCIA Member Aguilar Philip EI TTCIA Member Aguilar Reyena GA TTCIA Member Aguilar Rodolfo FGD, GA, KI TTCIA Chairman Aguilar Rosel FGD TTCIA Member Apolinario Benjie EI TTCIA Member Apolinario Carding EI TTCIA Member Apolinario Edilberto EI, GA Barangay Kagawad Apolinario George EI, GA TTCIA Member Apolinario Jener EI TTCIA Member Apolinario Jomar EI TTCIA Member Apolinario Lourdes GA TTCIA Member Apolinario Moises EI, GA TTCIA Member Bering Claudina GA TTCIA Member Bering Conrad EI, GA TTCIA Member Bering Felipe FGD, GA Council of Elders Bering Marcel GA TTCIA Member Bering Patropes EI TTCIA Member Bernal Dennis EI TTCIA Member Calix Eqlorina FGD TTCIA Member Calix Gimelito EI, GA TTCIA Member Calix Hernan EI TTCIA Member Calix Jhonny GA TTCIA Member Calix Labarral GA TTCIA Member Carpiano Jeffrey EI TTCIA Member Carpiano Ricky EI, GA TTCIA Member Cinco Silveria GA TTCIA Member Curba Daldena GA TTCIA Member Dacullios Alan EI TTCIA Member Dacullios Angelica GA TTCIA Member Dacullios Aurelio EI TTCIA Member

69 Appendix 1 (cont) LastName FirstName Participation Role Dacullios Awena GA TTCIA Member Dacullios Dayo EI, GA TTCIA Member Dacullios Isaac EI TTCIA Member Dacullios Isacar EI, FGD TTCIA Member Dacullios Larry EI TTCIA Member Dacullios Maria GA TTCIA Member Dacullios Narro EI TTCIA Member Dacullios Renato EI, FGD TTCIA Member Dapi Ardo EI TTCIA Member Dapi Leopoldo EI TTCIA Member Daroy Maximo EI TTCIA Member Daroy Rozaldy EI TTCIA Member Doeres July EI TTCIA Member Dondi Alex EI TTCIA Member Dondi Rommel GA Barangay Kagawad Francisco Roger EI, GA TTCIA Member Languyod Naldi GA TTCIA Member Mabirit Arnold EI, GA TTCIA Member Mabirit Precy GA TTCIA Member Manuel Absalom EI TTCIA Member Manuel Darmo FGD, GA Barangay Kagawad Manuel Kennedy EI TTCIA Member Manuel Maricris GA TTCIA Member Manuel Nadal EI TTCIA Member Manuel Raymond EI TTCIA Member Marcos Blavida GA TTCIA Member Pulilan Pedrito EI TTCIA Member Salico Abner EI TTCIA Member Salico Cherelyn GA TTCIA Member Salico Jimmy EI TTCIA Member Salico Minda GA TTCIA Member Salico Pampilo EI TTCIA Member Salico Roberto EI TTCIA Member Salico Rolando EI TTCIA Member Victorino Aladin EI TTCIA Member Victorino Dalton EI TTCIA Member Victorino Rommel EI TTCIA Member Victorino Willy GA TTCIA Member Enero Romeo KI Municipal FARMC EI – ethnographic interview; FGD – focus group discussion; GA – general assembly; KI – key informant interview

70 Appendix 2. Questionnaire used in the Ethnographic interviews Date: ______Venue: ______Time started: ______Time ended: ______Interviewer: ______Name of Respondent: ______Barangay: ______Sitio: ______

Household Demographics 1. Household Members/Role in the family 2. Age 3. Highest educational attainment 4. Ethnicity 5. Language 6. Religion 7. Primary occupation 8. Secondary occupation

Fishing History 1. Are you originally from here? Yes No. Where? Since when? 2. Have you always fished for your living? Yes No 3. How many years have you been fishing? 0 – 5 years 6 – 10 years 11 – 15 years >15 years did not fish at all 4. Would you describe yourself as fulltime fisherman? Yes No 5. Rank according to most frequently visited fishing ground 1 – Most visited 2 – often visited 3 – seldom visited 4 – rarely visited Talung Gesye Talung Dakulu Nataktakan Others: please specify 6. When you began fishing, whom did you begin with? Father Brother Friend Others: 7. Who taught you most about fishing? Why? 8. How many times a week do you go out to fish?

Gear Ownership Do you own any of these? Fishing gear Owned? Shared? Leased? How many? Boat Banca (with sail) / Barutung may layag Banca (without sail)/ Barutung walang layag Raft (Balsa or Binlay) Bandung Motorized boat Others (specify) Nets Gillnet (Lambat or Panti) Skimming net (Sakag) Others (specify) Hand instruments Spear (Sangaan) Spear (Talapang) Harpoon (Getab) Spear gun (Tumatik)

71 Spear gun with rope (Jabaniku) Bamboo tube sling gun (Uslu-uslu) Spear-trident (Tundalisa) Others (specify) Hook and Lines Simple hook and line (Bira-bira) Simple hook and line with sinker (Ukrus-ukrus) Octopus luring device (Bitsoy) Octopus luring device (Tora-tora) Squid jigger (Ulang-ulang) Others (specify)

Fishing Methods Do you use any of the following fishing methods? How often? Fishing Method Often (at least 3 times a Seldom (specify how week) often) Southwest Northeast Southwest Northeast monsoon monsoon monsoon monsoon (Abagat) (Kamian) (Abagat) (Kamian) Nets Gillnet (Lambat or Panti) Skimming net (Sakag) Others, specify Hand instruments Spear (Sangaan) Spear (Talapang) Harpoon (Getab) Spear gun (Tumatik) Spear gun with rope (Jabaniku) Bamboo tube sling gun (Uslu-uslu) Spear-trident (Tundalisa) Others, specify Hook and Lines Simple hook and line (Bira-bira) Simple hook and line with sinker (Ukrus- ukrus) Octopus luring device (Bitsoy) Octopus luring device (Tora-tora) Squid jigger (Ulang-ulang) Others, specify

Fishing Skills 1. What particular fishing method are you or your family skilled in? Respondent: Father: Son (s): Brothers:

72 Gleaning Activity 1. Who in your household glean? 2. On what area? (mangrove, coral reef, other gleaning ground) 3. Time of the day 4. Kind of gear used 5. Kind of species caught 6. Quantity and price sold 7. Quantity consumed

Local beliefs on marine resources and traditions 1. What are species avoided for consumption? Catch? 2. Why? What are the underlying reasons? Still practicing? 3. Do these affect the resource management of the ancestral waters? 4. Do these affect to protect and conserve the area? Exploit the marine resource?

Taboo areas inside the ancestral domain Area inside the ancestral domain Avoided Visited Fished 1. Pakerepan 2. Amlaran 3. Sampaga 4. Manlalayag 5. Salamagi 6. Kayangaan 7. Banalo 8. Sugod 9. Kalis 10. Dinuksulan 11. Laknisan 12. Tambelen 13. Simpalen 14. Pukaway 15. Luuk

73 Appendix 3. Fish families during the end of fishing season 2006 and start of fishing season 2007. 23 Oct – 10 Nov 06 9 – 27 Jul 07

Families Total % Families Total % weight composition weight (kg) composition (kg) Serranidae 66.50 26.78 Serranidae 131.88 40.20 Carangidae 41.88 16.87 Carangidae 37.13 11.32 Lutjanidae 22.73 9.15 Lethrinidae 35.42 10.79 Lethrinidae 21.09 8.49 Nemipteridae 24.59 7.50 Labridae 12.63 5.09 Labridae 16.87 5.14 Nemipteridae 9.96 4.01 Lutjanidae 14.46 4.41 Pseudochromidae 9.58 3.86 Scombridae 9.70 2.96 Scombridae 8.84 3.56 Mullidae 9.45 2.88 Sphyraenidae 8.39 3.38 Pseudochromidae 9.33 2.84 Siganidae 6.42 2.59 Balistidae 8.71 2.65 Balistidae 6.02 2.42 Synodontidae 4.41 1.34 Pomacentridae 5.77 2.32 Siganidae 3.58 1.09 Mullidae 4.33 1.74 Opistognathidae 3.54 1.08 Caesionidae 4.24 1.71 Dasyatidae 3.41 1.04 Scaridae 3.19 1.28 Scaridae 2.47 0.75 Scyliorhinidae 2.87 1.16 Pomacentridae 2.35 0.72 Acanthuridae 2.33 0.94 Sphyraenidae 1.83 0.56 Opistognathidae 2.07 0.83 Caesionidae 1.50 0.46 Belonidae 1.51 0.61 Pempheridae 1.14 0.35 Dasyatidae 1.34 0.54 Muraenidae 1.13 0.34 Haemulidae 0.99 0.40 Holocentridae 1.13 0.34 Plotosidae 0.82 0.33 Fistulariidae 0.95 0.29 Synodontidae 0.78 0.31 Echeneidae 0.95 0.29 Hemiramphidae 0.70 0.28 Scyliorhinidae 0.70 0.21 Holocentridae 0.67 0.27 Belonidae 0.62 0.19 Scorpaenidae 0.56 0.23 Gerreidae 0.25 0.08 Monacanthidae 0.54 0.22 Apogonidae 0.19 0.06 Apogonidae 0.40 0.16 Plotosidae 0.14 0.04 Gerreidae 0.38 0.15 Latidae 0.11 0.03 Pempheridae 0.24 0.10 Scorpaenidae 0.05 0.02 Fistulariidae 0.19 0.08 Leiognathidae 0.05 0.02 Cynoglossidae 0.13 0.05 Clupeidae 0.03 0.01 Terapontidae 0.11 0.04 Terapontidae 0.01 0.00 Chaetodontidae 0.09 0.04 Centropomidae 0.03 0.01

74 Appendix 4. Other targeted fishing locations.

End of fishing season Start of fishing season Location No. of Visits Location No of Visits Talung Dakulu 139 Talung Dakulu 168 Nataktakan 31 Nataktakan 31 Sabang 11 Urul 11 Kalawag 10 Balu-walu 10 Buluk 9 Paninggalan 8 Paninggalan 7 Talung Gesye 7 Dimalarung 5 Kalis 6 Naweyeng 3 Dimalarung 6 Talung Gesye 3 Dipnay 4 Banwa 2 Turalukan 3 Tuwug 2 Buluk 3 Tawaku 2 Biwingkiyan 2 Delian 2 Alpha Shoal 2 Turalukan 2 Luyug 2 Bahura ni Gukguk 1 Yatlu 2 Biwingkiyan 1 Otso 2 Luyug 1 Pupuemen 2 Diwatak 1 Sabang 2 Kalis 1 Kalawag 1 Bahura 1 Dyis 1 Talu ni Maning 1 Diwatak 1 Nuebe 1 Tabi-tabi 1 Dipnay 1 Banalu 1 Kalusuyan 1 Tuwug 1 Ataway 1 Luluan 1

75 Appendix 5. Breakdown of fishing trips

End of fishing season Phase of Moon New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Dates 23-29 Oct 30 Oct - 4 Nov 5-10 Nov No. of fishers 129 90 19 Sea state condition Calm to Rough Calm to Rough Calm to Low rough Weather Fine, Overcast, Rainy Fine, Overcast, Rainy Fine Types of fishing boat 3 4 1 No. of fishing areas 20 11 4 Types of fishing gears 13 12 7 Start of fishing season Phase of Moon New Moon First Quarter Full Moon Dates 23-29 Oct 30 Oct - 4 Nov 5-10 Nov Number of fishers 129 90 19 Sea state condition Calm to Rough Calm to Rough Calm to Low rough Weather Fine, Overcast, Rainy Fine, Overcast, Rainy Fine Fishing boat 3 3 2 No. of fishing areas 13 10 17 Fishing gears 8 10 6

76 Appendix 6. Fishing gears used by Calamian Tagbanwa fishers. Fishing boats

Bandong Raft (Balsa) Barutu walang layag Barutung may layag Motorboat Dugout canoe Small double outrigger canoe Nets

Cast net (Laman-extinct) Gillnet (Puut-extinct) Skimming net (Sakag) Gillnet (panti)

Simple handlines

Bitsoy Tora-tora Bira-bira/Ukrus-ukrus Squid jigger (ulang-ulang) Octopus luring device Dropline Hand instruments

Tundalisa Getab Talapang Sangaan

Spear trident Harpoon Spear

Jabaniku Tumatik Uslu-uslu

Spear gun Bamboo tube sling gun