Determining harvest control reference points for near shore resources targeted for livelihood-linked approaches to sustainable fisheries in RARE project sites ,

by Wilfredo L. Campos Melsie C. Cadenas Donna M. Guarte Kim P. Nunez Mary Ann Cielo L. Malingin Ryan Dexter Piloton Lucas R. Felix

OceanBio Laborarory

Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences

University of the , Miag-ao, 5023 Philippines

Final Report

submitted to

RARE Philippines, Inc.

University of the Philippines Visayas Foundation, Inc. Miag-ao, Iloilo November 2016

A. Introduction

RARE is implementing a GDA-funded project called “Harnessing Markets to Secure the Future of Near Shore Fishers” in various areas in the country with the overall goal of supplying high-valued to high-end restaurants and hotels with caught through responsible fishing and proper post-harvest practices. To meet this goal, several conditions must be met including: viability of the supply; sustainability of harvesting; quality of post-harvest practices; and maximizing of benefits from the source to the market. Critical to determining these conditions is assessing the status of the stocks and their fisheries.

This study was implemented to provide a quick assessment of the stocks of target resources in the various project areas of RARE with the following objectives:

a) Compile and identify gaps in relevant scientific information on pre-identified target species b) Conduct initial site surveys to verify target species and determine what and where to monitor and collect samples c) Design a fisheries monitoring and catch sub-sampling scheme d) Train field data recorders (enumerators) and field assistants e) Determine Harvest Control Reference Points f) Recommend measures to ensure sustainability of the target species

B. Materials and Methods Monitoring of fisheries catch and effort as well as biological subsampling of catches were conducted in (i) Culasi, Antique, (ii) Ayungon and Bindoy, , (iii) Looc and Lubang, Occidental Mindoro, (iv) Cantilan and Cortes, and (v) Tinambac, Camarines Sur Antique (Fig. 1). The duration of monitoring ranged from Negros Oriental Surigao del Sur two (2) to three (3) months, starting from April to July 2016. The general methods common to all sites are presented below, while specific methods are presented separately for each site. Figure 1. Map showing the location of areas

monitored by RARE sites. B.1. General Methods

The sequence of methods shown below (Fig. 2) was followed at each of the 5 sites:

B.1.1. Initial site visits were done to conduct FGDs and to meet with LGU staff and RARE local teams. The purpose of the FGDs were to validate the information on target species and barangays to monitor, which were initially provided by RARE field staff and the LGUs.

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Figure 2. Flow chart showing how the monitoring and biological sampling schemes of the study were designed.

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Additional information gathered included specific fishing areas by gear type, landing sites and time, and a rough idea of number of fishers by target gear type.

B.1.2. Design of catch and effort monitoring and biological sampling schemes. After verifying information on most commonly-caught species, the gear types used to catch them, and where these gear types were operating from, monitoring sites and frequency of sampling were determined. In general, catch and effort for target species and gear types were monitored daily in at least 3-4 sitios in each of the 5 sites. Size measurements of about a kilogram of each target species in catches of the target gear types were done weekly, whereas samples for processing and examination in the lab were purchased also once per week.

B.1.3. Hiring and training of enumerators and field assistants (FA). In most sites, both enumerators and field assistants were recommended by the RARE local team and or the LGU (MAO). Both were trained to do their respective tasks during the initial visits to the sites. A detailed description on the scope of the training is presented in Figure 2. Enumerators were trained to record catch (kgs) and effort (number of fishers & fishing trip duration) of at least 5 operators (fishers or groups of fishers depending on gear) by gear type every morning. These and other related data were recorded in notebooks following the format and the

Isda Pusit

Figure 3. Different ways of measuring fish (isda), squid (pusit) and octopus (pugita).

guidelines shown in Fig. 4. In addition, enumerators measured specimens of target species (following Fig. 3) from catches of assigned gear types once a week. They also arranged for the regular scheduled purchase of samples from the fishers at the various monitoring sites. Field assistants, on the other hand, required a bit more skills and training. They did the initial processing of specimens from the field. These included verification of taxonomic identification of specimens from purchased samples, measurement of lengths and weights, and at least for some target species, determined gonad development stage following pictorial guides such as Fig. 5. After this initial processing, FAs dissected off the head, gonad and guts of each identified specimen, stored these in labeled plastic containers with 10% buffered seawater-formalin solution, packed and prepared the specimens for transport to the lab in Miag-ao. In addition, since the FAs were also present during the enumerators’ training, they were also tasked with checking the catch and effort records kept by enumerators for inconsistencies and errors. FAs were provided with adequate funds to cover supplies needed

4 for the initial processing of samples and transportation to cover all the sitios covered by the monitoring/sampling scheme.

a

b c

Figure 4. (a) Catch and effort format, (b) sample recording of catch and effort, and (c) some notes on proper recording of catch and effort.

Figure 5. Example of male and female gonads (Decapterus macrosoma) showing the different stages of maturation. Sizes in the pictures are proportional.

B.1.4. A second site visit was conducted about 1 month after the initial visit to further check on the recording of catch and effort and to correct any errors, to ensure that biological sampling and processing by field assistants was in accordance with what they were trained to do, and to collect the monitoring records and biological samples for transport to the lab in

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Miag-ao. Samples in subsequent weeks were sent to the lab for validation and further analyses (e.g. species, sex and gonad maturation, gonad weight measurement).

B.2. Harvest Control References

The short duration of the study poses limitations to the resulting estimates. Because not all seasons were monitored, and because many biological processes, such as maturation, spawning, recruitment and growth, are seasonal, the data may fall short of representing the status of the stock. To reduce these constraints, we supplement our estimates with those from other published work which covered longer study periods. In addition, data from monitoring under the RARE Fish Forever Program in two areas were made available to supplement data from this study. With these measures, we provide best estimates based on available data.

After all the field and laboratory processing and data analysis, the fisheries and biological data are summarized and presented as harvest control references.

B.2.1 Size distribution of catches

This reflects the lengths of target species caught by the monitored gears during the study. Size frequency histograms are presented for each gear type to check for differences in size selectivity. This allows for formulating interventions that are specific to certain gear types and not necessarily to all. For example, if catches from a certain gear are dominated by small individuals (e.g., juveniles), regulations can be limited to only those gear types.

B.2.2. Size at sexual maturity

Histograms showing gonad maturity stage proportions by size class for each target species (across all gear types monitored) were constructed to show at what size the onset of maturity sets in (i.e., the size of the smallest mature individual recorded, here in called Lm). The proportional distribution of mature fish across all size classes represents that portion of the stock that is able to spawn or what is called the spawning potential. The data were used to construct a cumulative frequency ogive, which in turn allowed estimating the “size at first maturity” (Lm50), or the size at which 50% of fish at that size are mature. The GeoGebra software was used to construct the ogive. Lm50 has been used as a reference point for stock sustainability.

B.2.3. Growth

The age at which the target species matures becomes an important reference point especially in heavily-fished fishing grounds, where fish are typically caught before they reach the age of maturity. Age can be estimated from size data if the population’s growth is known. Since this study was designed to cover only 2-3 months, it was not possible to construct growth models for any of the target species. For many of them, however, growth models from different

6 fishing grounds and from different years, are available from various reports and studies, including Ingles and Pauly (1984), Corpus et al. (1985), Lavapie-Gonzales et al. (1997) and Froese and Pauly (2016). For those without any available information, published growth curves for closely-related (congeneric) species were used as approximations. Aside from providing estimates of age, the parameters L and K of the Von Bertalanffy Growth Model (VBGM), together with estimates of the instantaneous natural mortality rate (M) are used in reconstructing the stock’s spawning potential (explained in next section). M is usually estimated when deriving total mortality rate of the stock. Again, the short duration of the study did not allow any mortality estimates. Since estimates of M are generally even less available than the growth parameters, it was estimated for most target species in the study using the general formula of Pauly (1980), relating natural mortality to growth and average ambient water temperature in the fishing ground:

log M = -0.0066 – 0.279logL + 0.6543logK + 0.4634logT

where: M = instantaneous natural mortality rate (annual) L = asymptotic length of the VBGM K = growth coeeficient of the VBGM T = annual mean water temperature in the fishing ground (oC)

B.2.4. Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR)

As mentioned above, the length-based spawning potential of a stock is defined by the size or age distribution of mature fish. The spawning potential ratio (SPR) is the fraction of the stock’s spawning potential that is not caught by the fishery (and therefore allowed to spawn). Hence, in an unfished stock, the SPR is 100% while values range from 0 – 100 for fished stocks. The more the overlap between the size distribution of fish caught by the fishery (including all gear types) and the size distribution of mature fish, the less the spawning potential left in the stock. SPR values between 20 – 40% are generally acceptable as sustainable for fished stocks.

Actual SPR values based on size, maturity (Lm50), growth (K, L) and natural mortality (M) data gathered on the target species were estimated using a web-based software accessible at http://barefootecologist.com.au/lbspr. Actual estimates of SPR are a function of the size distribution of fish in the catches. In this report we use L50, the median of the projected size distribution of fish in the combined catches, as the reference point for adjustments in fishing, but we also present the Lc (the length at first capture or the size at which 50% of all fish at that size are caught by the fisheries) estimates from the accessed software since these are derived from the (size) selection curve of the combined gear types. L50 estimates were derived from the ogives fitted to the original size distribution data, and are more readily understandable and practical for management purposes. Hence, when the resulting actual SPR was below the set target minimum limit of 20%, the input size distribution was adjusted by sliding from one to several size classes to the right (i.e., by increasing L50 or Lc) until the minimum 20% SPR was attained. This necessarily corresponded to a larger size as the target “length at first capture”.

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B.2.5. Catch and effort data

Daily records of catch (C) and effort (f) were summarized to give estimates of mean values for catch rate (kgs/fisher/trip), number of fishers per trip and number of hours fishing per trip by fishing gear. Because stocks of targeted species are widely distributed, those species targeted by neighboring barangays or even municipalities are from the same stock. For this reason, C and f data for sites with common targets were pooled (by gear type) before the analysis. In this study, the term “fishing trip” includes going out to the fishing ground, actual fishing, and then returning to land the catch. In this study, all the targeted gear types in the various sites had one trip per day. Also, the term “catch rate” is used in this report in place of “catch per unit effort” to avoid confusion. The mean number of fishing days per month was computed per target fisher by gear type (at least 5 per ). This fishing frequency to multiply the total number of units of the targeted gear type, which the enumerators and the field assistants estimated thru interviews throughout the study, to estimate total fishing effort for the study period by gear type. The reason for keeping the number and identity of target fishers fixed (as much as possible) was to ensure reliable estimates of fishing frequency. The latter is important in providing estimates of total catch (= supply) as this reflects the market viability of the target species.

The total catch by target gear types for the months covered by the study is:

= Kg/fisher/trip X no. of fishers/trip X no. of fishing days/months X no. of months covered by the study

Annual catch (Cann) can be derived by multiplying the first 3 values above by 12 months, instead of the months covered by the study. However, this estimate assumes that the target species and the gear used to fish them are locally present in similar abundances throughout the year. Any seasonality in their abundance would invalidate this estimate.

Lastly, field enumerators and assistants were instructed to categorize catches into local names of the target species, with all catches of non-targets lumped into the “others” category. In sites where closely related species were difficult to differentiate in the field (e.g., clupeids and some siganids), the local common name for the group was used. These data were used to derive the species composition of catches in the study site.

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B.3. Site-specific Methods: Culasi, Antique

B.3.1. Monitored sites

Figure 6 shows the zoned map used in the monitoring. Zoning was done to show where fishing gears usually operate. Barangays Bitadton Norte, Naba, Fe, Jalandoni and Malalison Is. (in blue font) were monitored for daily catch and effort and these were also the sites for biological sampling. The duration of monitoring was from April 20 – July 20, 2016. Figure 6. The zoned map of coastal waters off Culasi, Antique used in the monitoring.

B.3.2. Target Gears and Species

The target species as well as the target fishing gears initially monitored in Culasi are shown in Table 1. Target species initially selected for monitoring included 7 species of fusiliers (Family ), caerulaurea, Pterocaesio tessellata, Pterocaesio digramma, Pterocaesio tile, Caesio lunaris, Caesio teres, and Caesio cuning, 2 species of sardines (Family Clupeidae), Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus, and Sardinella fimbriata, 3 species of hairtails (Family Trichuiridae), Trichuirus lepturus, Evoxymetopon taeniatus, and Assurger anzac, Rastrelliger Table 1. Initial list of target fishing gears and species monitored in Culasi, Antique.

Modified Beach Bottom set Surface Octopus Spear Hook TAXA Spear H&L Seine gill net gill net jigger (Octopus) & line (trichiurid) Fusiliers (Family Caesionidae) Caesio caerulaurea (blangawon) XX Pterocaesio tessellata (sulig-pula) XX Pterocaesio diagramma (sulig-pula) XX Pterocaesio tile (tambalihan) XX Caesio lunaris (sulig-asul) XX Caesio ter es (kanaryo) XX Caesio cuning (kanaryo) XX Octopus cyanea (turublokon) XX Rastrelliger kanagurta (gumaa) XX X Sardines (Family Clupeidae) Sardinella fimbriata (tamban) XX X Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus (tamban) XX X Hairtails/cutlass (Family Trichiuridae) Trichiurus lepturus (liwit) X Evoxymetopon taeniatus (liwit) X Assurger anzac (liwit) X

9 kanagurta (Family Scombridae), and Octopus cyanea (Family Octopodidae). The monitored gears on the other hand were beach seine, bottom set gill net, spear, surface gill net, octopus jigger, spear for octopus, hook and line, and modified hook and line for trichuirid. In general, selection of target species and gears were based on the information provided by RARE local team, LGU and results of the focused group discussions conducted during the first visit. After the intitial 2-3 weeks of monitoring however, it was clear that some of the initially targeted species and gears were not very well represented in the catches, either because they were out of season or they were no longer caught during the seasonal ban on beach seines (May to July). The list was thus adjusted to include only those species which were caught frequently enough to be monitored and sampled (Table 2).

Table 2. List of priority species and gear types monitored during the entire monitoring period.

B.3.3. Biological Sampling

Catches of target species from the various gear types were subsampled regularly at each site. Measurements (SL) of target species caught by the monitored gear types were done once a week (30-50 individuals per target species per gear). In addition, 1-2 kg of specimens per target species were purchased from each gear type every week. These samples were brought back to the lab at UPV in Miag-ao for verification of species identification, determination of gonad development stage, and measurements of other parameters.

C. RESULTS

The results of the analyses are presented by species. The sequence of results presented is as follows: general biology and geographical distribution, size distribution, gonad maturity stages, growth and spawning potential ratio.

C.1. Caesio caerulaurea (blangawon)

C.1.1. General Biology

Caesio caerulaurea inhabits coastal areas, primarily around coral reefs, to depths of around 40m. They feed by picking zooplankton. They are schooling, and often feed in large midwater aggregations; commonly forms schools together with Caesio varilineata, C. striata, and Pterocaesio tile. They are moderately important in coastal fisheries, and are common in

10 markets in Indonesia and the Philippines. They can be caught by drive-in gill nets, surface gill nets, traps, trawls, spears and handlines. C. caerulaurea are marketed fresh and sometimes dried-salted. Juveniles are important as tuna baitfish in some areas. The maximum total length of this species is about 35cm, and is commonly caught up to 25cm (Carpenter & Niem, 2001). Figure 7. The target species Caesio caerulaurea

C. caerulaurea sexually matures at 27cm (Lm50) or at about 14 months of age. With a lifespan of 4 to 4.5 years, a female may spawn three to four times (at least once a year) if it is not captured by fishers (Primavera, 1998).

C.1.2. Size Distribution

The size distribution of the target species caught by spearfishing off Malalison Is. during the monitoring period (April – July 2016) is presented below in Fig. 8. Length measurements used in constructing the size distribution graphs were from biological samples and additional measurements by field enumerators. The estimates of length at first maturity Lm50 (this study and from a parallel study conducted in Negros Or.) are also indicated in the graphs.

Size-distribution frequency of Caesio caerulaurea (n=296) 16 Spear 14 Lm50 = 17.2cm SL L = 15.6cm SL m50 (this study) 12 (parallel study in Negros Or.) 10 8 6 % Frequency 4 2 0

Standard length (cm)

Figure 8. Size distribution of C. caerulaurea caught in Culasi, Antique from April – July 2016. A total of 296 individuals were measured within the 3 month period. The smallest individual caught measured 11cm SL, while the largest was 29cm SL (Figure 8). Of the catches, ~41% are below the Lm50 (17.18cm SL, see section below for explanation) estimated by this study. This indicates that a considerable proportion of C. caerulaurea caught by the fishery are immature and have not yet spawned and contributed to the next crop.

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C.1.3. Gonad Maturity Stages and Maturation Curve

The development of gonads in C. caerulaurea was examined in relation to fish size to determine the maturity stages of fish in the catches. With this, the length at first maturity

(Lm50) can be estimated by constructing a maturity curve or ogive. The same length at maturity information were also used in estimating the spawning potential ratio of the target species. The data used for constructing the maturity stage bar charts (Fig. 9) are from the biological samples (samples that were bought) only, since these fished were processed and their gonad development stage determined in the lab.

A total of 89 individuals were examined for gonad staging, with sizes ranging from 12 – 21cm SL. The smallest size examined measured 12.0cm SL, while the largest was 21.0cm SL (Figure 9). Of these, only 24.7% (=22 ind) were mature with a corresponding size range of 14 - 21cm SL. According to Primavera (1998), the spawning season of the species is from January to March. The monitoring started in April, hence, only a few mature individuals were sampled. Figure 9. Gonad maturity stages by size class in Caesio caerulaurea caught in Culasi, Antique. Note: “n” above bars refers to the number of specimens examined per Caesio caerulaurea ogive size class.

Figure 10 shows the maturity curve or ogive of C. caerulaurea caught off Culasi, Antique. Lm50= 17.18cm Lm95= 18.79cm The ogive was constructed using the lengths of the mature individuals examined (Figure 9). Construction of the ogive was again necessary because specific parameters

derived from the ogive (Lm50 and Lm95) are used in estimating the spawning potential Figure 10. Maturation curve of Caesio caerulaurea from ratio (SPR) of the stock. Based on the ogive, Culasi, Antique the length at first maturity (Lm50) is about

17.2cm SL while Lm95 is at 18.8cm SL. Compared to the Lm50 (15.6cm SL) estimate of C.

caerulaurea in Negros (RARE GDA-HCRP, 2016), Lm50 estimate in Culasi is larger (17.2cm SL).

But note that ogive and resulting Lm50 and Lm95 are dependent on the input length at maturity data, and is likely to be dependent on seasons. There are months when larger mature individuals are present and caught in the area. A larger portion of large mature fish will tend

to increase Lm50 and vice-versa.

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C.1.4. Growth Curve

When length data are limited to a few months, relative age at a given length can be estimated provided that a growth equation (e.g., VBGModel) for the same species has been constructed (from another area, or from previous years). Ageing studies based on analysis of otoliths (fish) or statoliths (squid) may be too time consuming and costly for most multispecies stock assessment studies, but age at length/stage data may provide insights on the stock that could otherwise be masked by high variability in length data, particularly in heavily-fished stocks.

Figure 11 shows the growth a curve of C. caerulaurea which may be used in estimating the L 50= 17.18cm SL m ages of mature specimens and @7-8 months or any length. Information used in constructing this curve such as growth coefficient K (0.85) and L (41.7cm SL) were obtained from the study of Primavera (1998), also done in Culasi, Antique. -0.85(t-t ) Figure 11. Von Bertalanffy Growth Model (Lt = 41.7 (1 - e 0 ) for The corresponding relative age Caesio caerulaurea based on parameters in Primavera (1998). of the estimated Lm50 (17.2cm SL) observed in this study is about 7.5 months. This indicates that C. caerulaurea has to reach this age before they mature. Hence, catching them at smaller sizes will prevent them from attaining maturity and, as a consequence, from contributing to the stock. The largest individual recorded during the study was 29.0cm SL (Fig. 8), which is about 1½ years old (~17- 18 months relative age). The species reaches 24cm SL in about 1 year. The proportion of catches shorter than this length is over 90% (Fig. 8). This strongly suggests that the fishery is catching the stock before they reach 1 year old, and that the stock is made up mostly of young fish which do not live out their lifespan.

C.1.5. Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (LB-SPR)

Spawning potential ratio (SPR) is the proportion of the total spawning potential (derived from the size range of mature fish, Lm50 to Lm95) of fish remaining in the population after removing all fish caught by the fishery. Hence, an unfished stock would have an SPR of 100%, while very intensely-fished stocks would have an SPR close to 0%, because all mature fish would have been removed or all female fish would have been caught by intense fishing.

Hence, estimates of actual SPR of currently fished stocks are dependent on the (i) size distribution of fish in the combined catches, and (ii) the proportion of all mature fish in the stock (indicated by location of Lm50 on size distribution) that are caught. SPR is computed using estimates of natural mortality (M), the growth coefficient (K), asymptotic length (L),

13 length at which 50% (Lm50) and 95% (Lm95) of fish at that size are mature, and the actual size frequency distribution of catches from the fishery. Values for M, K and L were taken from the study of Primavera (1998) which was also done in Culasi, Antique about 20 years ago. By adjusting the size distributions of the catches, recommended values for SPR (20-40%) can be targeted. The corresponding Lc or length at first capture may then serve as the harvest control reference point to attain the targeted SPR.

The estimated SPR of C. caerulaurea caught in the fishery in Culasi is shown in Table 3. At present, SPR of the stock based on the 3 month monitoring Table 3. Estimated spawning potential ratio of Caesio caerulaurea data is 12%. To increase the SPR of C. caerulaurea to the in Culasi, Antique more acceptable level of 20-30%, the Lc should be set at about 19 - 21cm SL. This means that fishers should be Lc (cm SL) L50 (cm SL) SPR banned in targeting fish that are smaller 19cm SL. Again, 16.72 (actual) 18.95 12% the SPR estimates are based on just 3 months of 19.54 21.95 22% monitoring done outside of the spawning season of the 21.83 24.95 33% species. Because SPR estimates tend to increase with increasing spawning frequency in the stock (Erisman et al., 2014), the actual SPR of C. caerulaurea in Culasi may be higher if monitoring covered an entire year. Nevertheless the length at first capture would still be close to the Lm50 requiring an increase in the size of targeted fish to attain sustainability.

C.1.6. Harvest Control Reference Point

Individuals caught in this study are relatively large, with 59% above the estimated Lm50 of the species (17.2cm SL). However, the smallest mature specimen (Lm) measured was 14cm SL, and this is much smaller than even the reported Lm50 in Bindoy, Negros Or. (15.6cm). The estimated SPR of the species is low (12%) and is below the recommended SPR. The modal size limit of fish in the catches of spears may be set to about 22-23cm SL to attain a spawning potential ratio of between 20 – 30% to ensure sustainability of the stock.

C.2. Pterocaesio tessellata (sulig-pula)

C.2.1. General Biology

Pterocaesio tessellata (Fig. 12) inhabits coastal areas around coral reefs. It is a schooling fish, often found in groups with other species of Pterocaesio and feeds on zooplankton in midwater aggregations. It is considered as Figure 12. The target species Pterocaesio tessellata moderately important as a food fish,

14 and is common in markets in the Philippines. It is caught primarily by drive-in gill nets, surface set gill nets, spearfishing and traps, and marketed mostly fresh (Carpenter & Niem, 2001). The maximum total length of the species is about 25cm, and are common in lengths of about 18.5cm TL (Froese & Pauly, 2016).

P. tessellata sexually matures at about 15cm SL (Lm) or at about 7-8 months of age. If it spawns at least once a year, it may spawn three to four times in a lifespan of 3-3.5 years without being caught by fishers (Primavera, 1998).

C.2.2. Size Distribution

A total of 91 fish individuals were measured within the 3 month period. The smallest individual caught measured Size-distibution frequency of Pterocaesio tessellata 14.0cm SL, while the largest 18 (n=91) L = 17.5cm SL was 29.0cm SL (Figure 13). The 16 Spear m50 largest specimen recorded is 14 12 close to the reported L of the 10 species in Malalison Is, Culasi, 8 Antique (31.0cm SL, Primavera, 6 1998), indicating that this % Frequency 4 2 species is able to grow its 0 lifespan.

Of the catches, ~74% are above Standard length (cm) the estimated Lm50 (17.5cm SL). Figure 13. Size distribution of P. tessellata caught in Culasi, This indicates that P. tessellata Antique from April – July 2016. are mostly mature when caught or are caught largely after they have spawned.

C.2.3. Gonad Maturity Stages and Maturation Curve

Figure 14 shows the gonad staging of P. tessellata with size. A total of 16 individuals were examined, with sizes ranging from 14 - 20cm SL. Of these, 37.5% (= 6 ind) were mature/spent. The smallest mature specimen (Lm) observed in the study was 17cm SL. According to Primavera (1998), the spawning season of the Figure 14. Gonad maturity stages by size class of Pterocaesio tessellata caught off Culasi, Antique. Note: “n” above bars refers to species is from December to the number of specimens examined per size class.

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February. The monitoring started in April, hence, only a few mature individuals were sampled.

Figure 15 shows the ogive or maturation curve of P. tessellata. The ogive was an output of software using the maturity lengths of the 6 Pterocaesio tessellata ogive mature/spent individuals examined. 100 Construction of ogive is necessary because the 90 results are required inputs to the estimation of 80 Lm50 = 17.51cm SL the SPR of the species. 70 Lm95 = 18.78cm SL 60 Based on the ogive, the length at first maturity 50 40 (Lm50) is about 17.5cm SL. Note that the Lm50 was 30 estimated based only on the 6 mature/spent 20 10 individuals sampled from April-July with starting 0 size Lm at 17cm SL. While smaller individuals in 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 the samples were all immature, the relatively Standard Length (cm) limited sample size may result in

Figure 15. Maturation curve of Pterocaesio underestimates. The Lm95 based on the ogive is tessellata caught off Culasi, Antique estimated at 18.8cm SL.

C.2.4. Growth Curve Parameters of the VBGM were taken from Primavera (1998). Based on the constructed growth curve (Fig. 16), the corresponding age of the estimated Lm50 (17.5cm SL) of P. tessellata in Culasi is about 8.3 months, while the estimated relative age at Lm95 (18.8cm SL) is 9.4 months. Again, these estimates are based only on the examined samples. It is likely that Lm50= 17.5cm SL the Lm95 is much larger than the @8 mos present estimate because the largest mature individual observed was only over 20cm SL, while the asymptotic length is 31.0cm SL. The largest individual measured during the -1.20(t-t ) Figure 16. Von Bertalanffy Growth model, Lt = 31.0 (1 - e 0 ) study was 29.0cm SL. This alone for Pterocaesio tessellata based on parameters determined by indicates that the sizes of mature P. Primavera (1998). tessellata in the local stock are likely to reach well over 25cm SL.

C.2.5. Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (LB-SPR)

The estimated SPR of P. tessellata caught in the Table 4. Estimated spawning potential ratio fishery in Culasi is shown in Table 4. At present, the of P. tessellata caught off Culasi, Antique. SPR of the stock based on the 3 month monitoring Lc (cm SL) L50 (cm SL) SPR 14.7 (actual) 19.4 88% data is 88%. This is high and is above the acceptable value of 20-30%. The relatively higher SPR of the species is attributed to the larger sized

16 individuals caught in the fishery, of which 74% are above the Lm50. The median length based on measurements of subsamples from the catches is 19.4cm, and the largest specimen sampled measured was 29cm SL.

C.2.6. Harvest Control Reference Points Individuals of P. tessellata caught in this study are relatively large, with 74% of the catch being larger than the Lm50 of the species (17.5cm SL). The smallest mature individual observed measured 17cm SL. Previous studies in the same area report mature individuals at 15cm SL (Primavera, 1998). If the species does not mature at sizes much smaller than the latter, then the estimated Lm50 in this study is unlikely to be an overestimate. Hence, if the true Lm50 were much higher, the SPR based on the present estimate (88%) would be an overestimate. If the spawning season of the species (Dec-Feb) were within the study period, there would be less limitations to sample size and availability of a more complete size range of mature individuals. Nevertheless, in comparison with the status of the more common C. caerulaurea, our assessment which is subject to the same limitations, the current level of fishing on P. tessellata appears to be more sustainable.

The estimated SPR of the species is high (88%) and is above the recommended range of SPRs. This is perhaps because the specimens caught are larger, 14-29cm SL, and the bulk of the samples are within 19-21cm SL, which are above the Lm50 of the species. While the results do not show an urgency for interventions, imposing a size limit of 20cm SL, would ensure long term sustainability of the stock.

C.3. Rastrelliger kanagurta (gumaa) C.3.1. General Biology The Indian Mackerel, Rastrelliger kanagurta (Fig. 17) is an epipelagic, neritic species occurring in areas where surface water temperatures are at least 17° C, and schooling is usually related to size. Its maximum fork length is 35 cm, and commonly caught up to a size of 25cm FL. Figure 17. The target species Rastrelliger kanagurta

The spawning season of R. kanagurta around India seems to extend from March through September. It spawns in several batches. Juveniles feed on phytoplankton (i.e. diatoms) and small zooplankton such as cladocerans, ostracods, larval polychaetes, etc. With growth they gradually change their dietary habits, a process that is reflected in the relative shortening of their intestine. Hence, adult Indian mackerel prey primarily on macroplankton such as

17 larval shrimps and fish. Longevity in R. kanagurta is believed to be at least 4 years (Carpenter & Niem, 2001).

C.3.2. Size Distribution A total of 52 individuals were measured within the 3 month period. The smallest individual caught measured 15cm SL, while the largest was 23cm (Figure 18). Of the catches, < 10% were below the estimated Lm50 (16.8cm SL). This indicates that most R. kanagurta in the area are already mature when caught or may have already spawned. An estimate of Lm50 from a stock in the Pacific Islands is also shown for comparison.

A comparison of catches by gear shows that beach seines catch larger individuals, with all of them larger than Lm50 (Fig. 18c). This is based on a small sample size (n = 9) and may not be truly representative of the sizes of fish caught typically by beach seines. A seasonal ban on the use of beach seines was in effect for the entire month of May.

Drift gill net catches also show a different picture (Fig. 18b), with about 10% being smaller than the estimated Lm50, but of smaller overall sizes than catches from beach seines. The somewhat truncated distribution of sizes caught by gill nets clearly indicates how selective gill nets are. Only those that are small enough to fit the mesh size are caught. The larger individuals bump into the net but are not Figure 18. Size distribution of Rastrelliger kanagurta caught off readily entangled. Culasi, Antique from April– July 2016. (a) all gears combined, (b) drift gill net, and (c) beach seine. Note: Lm50 (red and blue lines) is the length at first maturity.

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.3.3. Maturity Stages and Maturation Curve A total of 52 individuals were examined, with sizes ranging from 15 – 23cm SL (Fig. 19a). Of these, 76.9% (= 40 ind) were mature, covering the size range 17.5 – 20.5cm SL, while 17.3% (= 9 ind) were spent, with corresponding sizes ranging from 20.5 – 23.5 cm SL. Only 5.8% (=3 ind) of the specimens examined were immature. The spawning season of the species is from March to September (Carpenter & Niem, 2001), although peak recruitment months in various

a Rastrelliger kanagurta ogive b 100

80 Lm50 = 16.8cm SL L = 19.65cm SL 60 m95

40

20

0 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 Standard Length (cm) Figure 19. (a) Gonad maturity stages by size class, and (b) maturation curve of Rastrelliger kanagurta caught off Culasi, Antique. Note: “n” above bars refers to the number of specimens examined per size class.

fishing grounds in the Philippines is in August-September (Campos et al., 2013). The latter suggests that peak spawning in the country is from June to July. The monitoring covered the months of April-July, which fall within the spawning season of the species thus, 76.9% of the individuals sampled were mature.

Based on the ogive (Figure 19b), length at first maturity (Lm50) is about 16.8cm SL. This

estimate is very similar to the mean Lm50 (18.8cm TL = 15.9cm SL) from various areas in the

Pacific (Froese & Pauly, 2016). The estimated Lm95 is 19.6cm SL.

C.3.4. Growth Curve Rastrelliger kanagurta growth The corresponding range of ages of the 35 catches (15-23cm SL) is from 7-16 30 months, with most between the ages of 25 20 11-12 months (19-20cm SL) or about a Lm50 = 16.8cm SL @ 8.9 mos L = 19.6cm SL @ 11.6 mos year. According to Froese and Pauly 15 m95 (2016), R. kanagurta can reach a length 10 of 38.0cm TL (= 33.9cm SL) and a (cm)SL Length Standard 5 maximum reported age of 4 years. This 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 indicates that R. kanagurta in Culasi are Age (months) caught while relatively still young, and Figure 20. Growth curve based on the Von Bertalanffy are not able to grow to their maximum -1.09(t-t ) Growth Model, Lt = 30.2(1 – e 0 for Rastrelliger lifespan. kanagurta (based on several studies in the Philippines) caught off Culasi, Antique.

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Based on the growth curve (Figure 20), the age at Lm50 (16.8cm SL) is about 8.9 months, while the age at Lm95 (19.6cm SL) is about 11.6 months.

C.3.5. Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (LB-SPR) The estimated SPR of R. kanagurta caught in the fishery in Culasi is shown in Table 5. At

Table 5. Estimated spawning potential ratio present, the SPR of the stock based on the 3 month of R. kanagurta caught off Culasi, Antique. monitoring data is 22%. This is close to the minimum acceptable value of 20%. If the modal size of fish Lc (cm SL) L50 (cm SL) SPR 20.4 18.9 22% caught in the fishery were set to 20cm SL, the resulting 20.9 19.9 26% SPR could be increased to 26%.

C.3.6. Harvest Control Reference Points The estimated SPR for the species is within the target range of 20-30%, although increasing the median size of fish in the catches to 20-21cmSL would be more consistent with sustainability. The size distribution (Fig. 18) of fish in the catches is visibly deficient. Because of the narrow shelf along most of the coastline of Antique, a range of pelagic species are caught close to the shore, even with the use of beach seines. This feature of the coast is also what attracts the use of set nets (lambaklad or Otoshi-ami) in the area. Local beach seines are typically constructed of small mesh nets so that they usually catch a disproportionate amount of small (juvenile) fish (see Figs. 22 & 26 below), although they will also catch larger adults if these move close to the shore. The few measurements for Indian Mackerel (Fig. 18c) were from a single sample from beach seine catches and are likely not representative of the sizes of this species normally caught by this gear. However, even these few measurements may have skewed the size distribution (Fig. 18a) of the catches because of the small overall number of measurements. Unfortunately, Culasi enforces a ban on the use of beach seines for the entire month of May apparently to allow small pelagic fish to spawn. Recruitment of R. kanagurta in various waters of the country peaks from June to August (compiled in Campos et al., 2013), so that spawning would be 1-2 months before. During the study, with the onset of rough seas in July, there was little time to correct the bias from limited sample size.

C.3.6.1. Because of this, the estimated Lc and L50 are likely to be overestimates and are thus not valid reference points. A sound measure for sustainability of this resource is to regulate even more the use of beach seines. If the present closure in May aims to protect spawners, extending the closure for an additional 2 months would also save more juveniles. C.3.6.2. In the case of drift gillnets, the usual mesh size used in the area is 14-16. While there is no single official mesh size limit to drift gillnets, the ones currently in use (~2cm square mesh  4cm stretch) are just above what the law (RA 8550) defines as illegal fine mesh (3cm stretch) nets. While increasing mesh size may be favorable to some species, like Indian Mackerel, they may not be efficient for catching sardines which have a slimmer body and are also a valuable resource in the area. However, measures that will increase the Lc of Indian Mackerel, will also have a parallel effect for sardines or any other small

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pelagic species. Therefore, enforcing a minimum mesh size of say 10 for drift gill nets would be beneficial to the fishery. C.4. Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus (tamban) C.4.1. General Biology Adults of the Bluestripe Herring, Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus, (Fig. 21) form schools near mangroves, shallow coastal bays and lagoons during the day and move further offshore into Figure 21. Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus deeper water by night. Juveniles feed on zooplankton, chiefly copepods, mainly at night, while adults feed on larger prey like chaetognaths, polychaetes, shrimps and even small (juvenile) fish. They attain maturity and spawn within their first year and probably survive only a few months after maturity (Froese and Pauly, 2016).

C.4.2. Size Distribution A total of 80 individuals were measured within the 3 month period. The smallest individual caught measured 9cm SL, while the largest was 13cm SL (Figure 22).

Of the catches, ~49% were below the estimated

Lm50 (10.4cm SL). This indicates that H. quadrimaculatus are relatively immature when caught or are caught before they have spawned.

Beach seines caught most of the fish below Lm50, while drift gillnets generally caught larger ones. This difference is due to the even smaller mesh sizes used in beach seines. The small number of measurements needs to be considered in Figure 22. Size distribution of H. discussing the size frequency distribution of fish quadrimaculatus caught off Culasi, Antique in the catches. from April– July 2016 for all gears combined (top), drift gill net (mid), and beach seine C.4.3. Gonadal Maturity and Curve (bottom). Note: Lm50 (red arrow) is the length at first maturity. A total of 80 individuals were examined, with sizes ranging from 9-13cm SL. Of these, 47.5% (=38 ind) were mature, 32.5% (=26 ind) were spent, and only 20% (=16 ind) were immature (Figure 23). H. quadrimaculatus spawns

21 between March and August in Okinawa, Japan (Oka & Miyamoto, 2015). The study covered the months of April-July, which falls within the spawning period of the species, thus 80% of the individuals in the samples were mature or spent, and only a small percentage (20%) were immature.

Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus H. quadrimaculatus ogive (n=80) 100 n= 11 27 36 5 1 100% 90 80 L = 10.4cm SL 80% 70 m50 Lm95 = 11.5cm SL 60 60% 50 40% 40 30 20% 20 10 0% 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 0 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Standard length (cm) Standard Length (cm) spent mature immature Figure 23. Gonad maturity with size (left) and maturity curve (right) of H. quadrimaculatus caught off Culasi, Antique. Note: “n” above the bars refers to the number of specimens examined per size class.

Based on the ogive (Figure 23b), the length at first maturity (Lm50) is about 10.4cm SL, while the Lm95 is 11.5cm SL. These estimates are very close to estimates for the same species in

Negros Or. based on a study done during a parallel period (Lm50 = 10.5 & Lm95 = 11.5cm SL), so are likely accurate.

C.4.4. Growth Curve

The corresponding ages of the catches (9-13cm SL) is from 10-19 months, with most being about 13.5 months (11cm Growth of Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus SL). According to Lavapie- Gonzales et al. (1997), H. 20

18 Lm95= 11.4cm SL quadrimaculatus can reach 16 @15 months a length of 16.5cm SL or 19 14 12 Lm50=10.4cm SL months. This indicates that 10 @12 months H. quadrimaculatus in Culasi 8

Standardlength (cm) 6 are caught young, and are 4 not able to grow their 2 0 lifespan. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Age (months) Based on the growth curve Figure 24. Growth curve based on the Von Bertalanffy Growth (Fig. 24), the corresponding -0.98(t-t ) Model Lt = 16.5(1-e 0 ) of H. quadrimaculatus caught off age of the estimated Lm50 Culasi, Antique.

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(10.4cm SL) in this study is just over 12months, while the smallest mature (9cm) individual showed a corresponding age of about 10 months. This suggests that H. quadrimaculatus has to reach this age before they mature. Again, these estimates are based only on the examined samples.

C.4.5. Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (LB-SPR)

The estimated SPR of H. quadrimaculatus caught in the fishery in Culasi is shown in Table 6.

Table 6. Estimated spawning potential ratio At present, the SPR of H. quadrimaculatus in of H. quadrimaculatus in Culasi, Antique Culasi based on the 3 month monitoring period

Lc (cm SL) L50 (cm SL) SPR is about 13% only. The species are targeted by 9.94cm 10.4 13% fishers in the area and are caught even at 10.96 11.4 27% smaller sizes (as small as 9cm). At present no size limits were established for the species. To increase the SPR of H. quadrimaculatus to the acceptable range of 20-30%, the median length of fish in the catches should be set at about 11.5cm SL.

C.4.6. Harvest Control Reference Points

C.4.6.1. The estimated SPR of the species (13%) is below the recommended SPR range. The median size limit should be set to 11.5cm SL to attain a spawning potential ratio of between 20-30% to ensure sustainability of the stock.

C.4.6.2. Beach seines typically catch young individuals below Lm50. During the study, small Bluestripe herring made up about 60% of beach seine catches. Prohibiting the catching of juveniles will allow a larger portion of the stock to grow to maturity and contribute to the stock. The municipality is already implementing a closed season for the use of beach seines. The closed season should be extended adding a month or two each year (beginning next year) as they gradual shift to a complete ban on their use. This will benefit all those species whose juveniles are routinely caught by the gear.

C.5. Sardinella fimbriata (tamban)

C.5.1. General Biology The fringescale sardinella, Sardinella fimbriata (Fig. 25) is a coastal, pelagic and schooling species. It is caught mainly with purse seines, lift nets, and set nets. It is commonly misidentified as S. Figure 25. The target species Sardinella fimbriata gibbosa in Indian waters

23 and S. albella in the western Indian Ocean. It is widely distributed in Indo-West Pacific (not in western Indian Ocean), from southern India and Bay of Bengal to the Philippines, Indonesia, and eastern tip of Papua New Guinea. The fringescale sardinella is caught in most major fishing grounds in northern and central Philippines as well as in the bays along the coast of northern (Campos et al., 2016). Reports from various studies show that they are most common in Bay, along the east coast of , and in Ragay Gulf. Its maximum recorded standard length is 13cm, although they are commonly caught at around 11 cm (Carpenter and Niem, 2001).

C.5.2. Size Distribution Size frequency distribution of S. fimbriata A total of 97 individuals were measured 100 Combined a within the 3 month period (Figure 26). n = 97 80 L = 11.7cm SL The smallest individual measured from m50 60 (from Negros, Or.) the catches was 10cm SL, while the largest was 13cm SL. Both beach seines 40 Frequency % Frequency and drift gillnets caught the same size 20 range of fish. Over half of the catch are 0 smaller than the Lm50. 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 100 Beach seine C.5.3. Gonad Maturity and Maturation b 80 n = 6 Curve 60 No mature females were recorded from 40 the samples and only a few mature males were recorded. For this reason, the Lm50 20 (= 11.7cm SL) estimated from a parallel 0 study (also under this RARE Project) in 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 100 Negros Oriental is used for this study. Gill net 80 n = 91 c C.5.4. Growth Curve 60 The growth curve for S. fimbriata is based 40 on the Von Bertalanffy Growth Model derived for stocks in the Visayan Sea from 20 2000-10 (BFAR6-NSAP data) giveng mean 0 values for L= 19.13cm SL and K = 1.04. 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 Based on this growth curve (Figure 27), Standard Length (cm) the corresponding age of the estimated Figure 26. Size distribution of Sardinella fimbriata caught in Culasi, Antique from April– July 2016. (a) all gears Lm50 (11.71cm SL) is about 11 months. combined, (b) beach seine , and (c) drift gillnet. Note: Lm50 This is roughly 1 year old, which is (blue line) is the size when 50% of the population mature. relatively older than the Lm50 of other small pelagic stocks (C. caerulaurea, P. tessellata & R. kanagurta) in the study area, as well as those exploited elsewhere in the country.

24

Lm50= 11.71cm SL (Negros) @11 months

Figure 27. Growth curve of Sardinella fimbriata in Culasi, Antique.

C.5.5. Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (LB-SPR)

The estimated SPR of H. quadrimaculatus caught in the fishery in Culasi is shown in Table 7.

At the present rate of fishing, the SPR of S. Table 7. Estimated spawning potential ratio of S. fimbriata in Culasi based on the 3 month fimbriata caught off Culasi, Antique monitoring period is about 5% only. The species are targeted by fishers in the area and Lc (cm SL) L50 (cm SL) SPR are caught at even smaller sizes (as small as 9.55 (actual) 11 5% 9cm). At present no size limits have been 11.05 12 18% 12.05 13 32% established for the species. To increase the SPR of S. fimbriata to the acceptable range of 20-30%, the median length of the catch should be set between 12-13cm SL. The current median length in the catch is about 11.0cm SL.

C.5.6. Harvest Control Reference Points

The estimated SPR of the species is low (5%) and is below the recommended SPR. A limit to the sizes of fish caught by beach seine and drift gillnets may be set to 12.5cm SL to attain a more acceptable spawning potential ratio of 20-30% to ensure sustainability of the stock. Although the length data collected by the study do not show any difference in the size of fish caught by beach seine or drift gill nets, the former typically catch smaller juveniles because of their smaller mesh sizes. As earlier discussed, prohibiting the use of fine meshes in beach seines will allow more fish to grow to maturity and contribute to the stock. This is essentially the effect of increasing mesh sizes for gill nets as well.

C.6. Catch and Effort Monitoring

The information on catch and effort data, recorded by hired enumerators in the monitored barangays allows the computation of catch rates, which are a more reliable index of stock abundance than fisheries landings. Other information that can be gleaned from the catch and effort records are total harvest of the gears in the barangays monitored, species composition,

25 and fishing ground information (where fishers operate). Records on specific areas fished by each trip also provide valuable insights on the behavior and distribution of the target species.

C.6.1. Catch of Monitored Gears

The total catch of the Table 8. Total monitored catch of the target gears in the studied monitored fishing gears in barangays in Culasi, Antique from April– July 2016. Total Catch (kg) the monitored barangays Gear Bitadton N Jalandoni Naba Fe Malalison Total during the 3 month period is BeachTable seine xx . Total806.7 catch of34.0 the monitored1851.8 912.0 gears in the monitored3604.4 presented in Table 8. Of the Gillbrgys net in Tinambac,234.2 Camarines Sur442.8 from 279.5June – July1987.8 2016. 2944.3 total catch (13,376kg), the 5 Hook&Line 45.45 329.15 44.25 76.7 495.6 target species contributed Spear 1952.1 1952.1 37.1% (4,968.2 kg) with C. Longline 4380.0 4380.0 caerulaurea contributing the Total 1,086.3 363.2 2,338.8 5,648.2 3,939.9 13,376.3 highest (16.8% or 2,249.1) (Figure 28). Clupeidae (which is composed of H. quadrimaculatus and S. fimbriata ranked the second highest (16.2% or 2,172.8 kg). The other 2 target species,

Clupeidae 16.2%

Others 30.5% Caesio caerulaurea 16.8%

Scombridae 1.8%

Lutjanidae Carangidae Rastrelliger 2.0% 16.9% kanagurta Istiophoridae 2.1% 3.4% Latidae Pterocaesio 9.5% tessellata 0.7%

Figure 28. Overall species composition of catches of the monitored fishing gears in barangays Bitadton Norte, Naba, Fe, Jalandoni and Malalison in Culasi, Antique from April - July 2016.

R. kanagurta, and P. tessellata contributed 3.4% (458.3 kg) and 0.7% (88.1 kg), respectively. AmongFigure the xx .non Overall-target species groups, composition Carangidae of the monitored(16.9%) and fishing Latidae gears (in9.5%) brgys showedAgay-ayan, relatively Caloco and large San Antonio in Tinambac, Camarines Sur from June - July 2016. contributions.

Between brgys, the largest amount was recorded in Fe (5,648.2 kg or 42.2%), primarily because of the large pelagics that they catch with longlines (see Fig. xx below), while the lowest was in Jalandoni (363.2 kg or 2.7%) (Table 8). These catches may not represent the true landings in the barangays since these data reflect only monitored catches. The extrapolated catches are discussed in a later section.

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A more detailed examination of species composition by gear type is shown in Figs. 29 and 30. Both beach seines and drift gillnets catch considerable volumes of clupeids or sardines (36

Beach Seine Gill net

Others 27% Clupeidae Others Clupeidae 36% Pterocaesio 40% 42% tessellata 1% Caesio cunning 2% Scombridae Scombridae Rastrelliger Caesio 6% 4% kanagurta caerulaurea 7% Rastrelliger 15% Plotosidae Carangidae kanagurta 4% 5% Channidae 7% 4%

Figure 29. Species composition of catches from beach seines (left) and drift gillnets (right) in Culasi, Antique from April to June 2016.

Hook & Line Long Line Auxis 1% Istiophoridae 7%

Lutjanidae Trichiuridae 8% Others 18% 39% Carangidae Others 45% Clupeidae 14% 16%

Rastrelliger Latidae Lutjanidae kanagurta 25% 3% 9% Scombridae Nemipteridae 3% Carangidae 4% 8%

Pterocaesio tile Pterocaesio 1% tessellata 4% Caesio lunaris 1%

Caesio cunning 6%

Caesio caerulaurea Others 52% 36% Spear

Figure 30. Species composition of catches from hook and line (left), longline (right), and (daytime) spear fishing (below) in Culasi, Antique from April to June 2016.

27 and 42%, respectively) (Fig. 29), while catches from hook and line were dominated by trichuirids or hairtails (18%) and clupeids (16%) (Fig. 30). Longlines, on the other hand, caught larger pelagics like carangids (jacks) (45%), but also bottom-associated or demersal fish as well, like latids (lates perches) (25%). The longlines include both surface and bottom-set longlines, but we were unable to separate their catch data. Spearfishing during the day caught mostly caesionids (64%), with C. caerulaurea dominating the catch (52%). This species was also common in drift gillnet catches, making up 15% of catches for that gear (Fig. 29). In contrast, P. tessellata contributed only 4% of the total for spearfishing, and only 1% in drift gill net catches. The proportion of R. kanagurta was similar in catches of beach seine and drift gill net (7%).

Trichiurids were an initial target species but because almost all of the catches are landed in where the fishers are paid a higher price, subsampling of catches there was beyond what are resources could support, so we dropped them from the list after the verification period.

The above results are based on only 3 months of data and may not necessarily reflect the overall year-round composition of catches from the different gear types used in the area. The monitoring period was off-season for some target species (i.e. C. caerulaurea and P. tessellata), and hence, catches were relatively low for these species.

C.6.2. Extrapolation of Total Catch

The purpose of the extrapolation is to provide estimates of potential supply of the target species in a year, from the monitored sites. The derived values are likely to be underestimates of the true amounts because the study was done outside the spawning season for most of the target species. Catches are usually higher during spawning months.

Catch rates in this report are expressed as the mean number of kg caught per fisher per trip, wherein a typical trip is usually a day’s operation. Fishing frequency, on the other hand, is expressed as number of fishing hours per trip and number of fishing days per month. The results of the analyses are presented below by gear type.

Mean catch rates and fishing effort of the gears monitored based on the present study are presented in Table 9a. The number of fishers operating each gear is also indicated. The highest catch rates were recorded by longlines (22.3 kg/fisher/trip). Longlines target larger fish and are typically operated in zones 5 and 6 of the fishing map (Fig. 6) by groups of 2-5 fishers. The next highest catch rates was for daytime spearfishing (11.9 kg/fisher/trip), followed by hook and line (mean 4.7, range 1.7 - 9.5 kg/fisher/trip), while beach seine recorded the lowest (mean 1.4, range 0.6 - 3.1 kg/fisher/trip).

Total catch of each gear was extrapolated by multiplying the catch rate (average kg/fisher/trip) with the mean number of fishing days per month, number of fishing months per year (assumed to be 12 months) and number of fishers operating the monitored gear

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type. The number of fishers in the monitored sites are based on estimates from initial interviews at the start of the study, and through subsequent interviews by the field assistants.

Table 9a. Catch matrix showing the estimated annual catch of beach seine, bottom set gill net, hook & line, longline and spearfishing in brgys Bitadton Norte, Jalandoni, Naba, Fe and Malalison in Culasi, Antique.

No. of No. fishing Catch rate Est. Annual Gear Brgy fishers days/mo (kg/fisher/trip) Catch (MT) Beach seine Bitadton Norte 50 15.5 0.6 5.6 Jalandoni 24 15.4 1 4.4 Naba 96 15.3 1.1 19.4 Fe 72 15.4 3.1 41.2 Gill net Bitadton Norte 9 17 0.6 1.1 Naba 24 21.5 0.9 5.6 Fe 8 18.2 1.5 2.6 Malalison 60 16 4.1 47.2 Hook & line Bitadton Norte 7 15.5 1.3 1.7 Jalandoni 20 15.7 1.2 4.5 Naba 30 15.5 1.7 9.5 Fe 13 14.5 1.4 3.2 Longline Fe 19 15 22.3 76.3 Spear Malalison 40 19.3 11.9 110.2 332.5

The extrapolated catches are presented in Tables 9a and b. The estimated annual catch of the monitored gears in the 5 barangays Bitadton Norte, Naba, Fe, Jalandoni and Malalison is about 332.5 MT. Among the various gear types, spear contributed 110.2 MT or 33.2% of total production. This is because of its high catch rate, 11.9 kg/fisher/trip and the relatively large number of fishers (effort). Between barangays, Malalison showed the highest annual catch of 157.5 MT or 48.8%.

Interestingly, in spite of the high catch rates for longlines & spearfishing, there aren’t more fishers using these gear types. Spearfishing is largely concentrated on Malalison Is., and during the time of the study, there were also a lot of tourists visiting the islands everyday. They earn more money guiding tourist than fishing, even with such high catch rates. For the rest of the year, however, they return to spearfishing (fish & octopus) when the tourist season

Table 9b. Summary of the estimated annual catch by gear type and by barangay.

Bitadton Jalandoni Fe Naba Malalison Sum % N Beach seine 4.4 41.2 19.4 5.6 70.7 21.2 Gill net 2.6 5.6 1.1 47.2 56.5 17.0 Hook & line 4.5 3.2 9.5 1.7 18.9 5.7 Longline 76.3 76.3 22.9 Spear 110.2 110.2 33.2 Total 9.0 123.3 34.4 8.4 157.5 332.5 100.0

29 ends. In the case of longlines, the cost of the gear and operations (fishing area farther away, larger boats) poses limits to fishing effort.

The composition of the extrapolated catch is shown in Table 10. The contribution of C. caerulaurea to the annual catch is about 27.0% (89.8MT), while clupeidae (H. quadrimaculatus, and S. fimbriata) contributed 10.0% (33.3MT). Rastrelliger kanagurta contributed only 1.8% (5.9MT) while P. tessellata only 1.1% (3.5MT). For the non-target groups, Carangidae showed the highest contribution (46.3MT or 13.9%). This was followed by Latidae (25.5MT or 7.7%), Istiophoridae (10.2MT or 3.1%) and Lutjanidae (2.5MT or 8.3%).

Table 10. Composition of estimated annual catch in brgys Bitadton Norte, Jalandoni, Naba, Fe and Malalison in Culasi, Antique. Total Catch (MT) Taxa Jalandoni Fe Naba Bitadton N Malalison Total %

Caesio caerulaurea 0 0 0 0 89.8 89.8 27.0 ClupeidaeTable xx . Composition of extrapolated0 16.9annual catch12.0 in brgys4.4 Agay -ayan,0 San Antonio33.3 and Caloco10.0 Rastrelligerin Tinambac kanagurta Camarines Sur.0 2.7 1.3 1.9 0 5.9 1.8 Pterocaesio tessellata 0 0 0 0 3.5 3.5 1.1 Carangidae 2.4 43.9 0 0 0 46.3 13.9 Latidae 0 25.5 0 0 0 25.5 7.7 Istiophoridae 0 10.2 0 0 0 10.2 3.1 Lutjanidae 1.0 7.3 0 0 0 8.3 2.5 Scombridae 0.9 6.1 0 0 0 7.0 2.1 Caesio cuning 0 0 0 0 9.0 9.0 2.7 Trichiuridae 0 0 0.2 0.2 0 0.4 0.1 Nemipteridae 1.3 0 0 0 0 1.3 0.4 Pterocaesio tile 0 0 0 0 2.5 2.5 0.8 Loliginidae 0 0.3 0 0 0 0.3 0.1 Caesionidae 0.3 0 0 0 0 0.3 0.1 Serranidae 0.1 0 0 0 0 0.1 0.0 Channidae 0.3 0 0 0 0 0.3 0.1 Plotosidae 0.3 0 0 0 0 0.3 0.1 Leiognathidae 0 0.1 0 0 0 0.1 0.0 Caesio lunaris 0 0 0 0 0.4 0.4 0.1 Lethrinidae 0.1 0 0 0 0 0.1 0.04 Mullidae 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.00 Menidae 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.00 Others 2.1 10.4 21.0 1.8 52.2 87.5 26.3 Total 9.0 123.3 34.4 8.4 157.5 332.5 100.0

C.6.3. Fishing ground

Figure 31 shows where the monitored fishing gear types were operated during the study period. Information used in constructing this figure is from the recorded fishing ground of all

30 fishing trips within the 3 month monitoring period. Note that frequently fished areas are denoted with large circle (51-97%), while small circle (0.1-6%) for least fished areas.

Most of the fishing activities are limited to municipal waters, although fishers in each barangay are not restricted to fish in other barangays. Among the barangays, the most fished areas are Malalison Is, Naba to Bitadton Norte, and Fe to Caridad.

For fishing gears targeting clupeidae and R. kanagurta (Figs. 31c &d), operations were also restricted inside the municipal waters, specifically in barangays Naba to Bitadton Norte. For caesionidae, gear operations were concentrated in Malalison Is.

All gears combined Clupeidae (beach seine, gill net, H&L) a b

Caesionidae (gill net, H&L, spear) R. kanagurta (beach seine, gill net, H&L) c d

Legend:

51-97% 25-50% 0.1-6%

Figure 31. Map showing (a) where hook and line, drift gill net and beach seine operations were conducted during the study period, (b) where the target species Clupeidae (H. quadrimaculatus and S. fimbriata (c) and Caesionidae (C. caerulaurea and P. tessellata) and (d) R. kanagurta are caught in Culasi, Antique (April-July 2016).

D.1. Summary of Harvest Control Recommendations In general, harvest control rules for the target species in Culasi, Antique should include:

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D.1.1. Establishment of size limits in catches for the following species:

• Caesio caerulaurea 22.5cm SL • Pterocaesio tessellata 20.0cm SL • Rastrelliger kanagurta 20.5cm SL • Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus 11.5cm SL • Sardinella fimbriata 12.5cm SL

D.1.2. Increase mesh size of drift gill nets, to allow immature smaller fish to pass, and eventually grow, attain maturity and spawn. While the target for this measure is R. kanagurta, it will also have a positive effect on other pelagic species caught by the gear, such as scombrids which make up 6% of the catch, and various species of carangids which are likely part of the “others” category in Fig. 29. The measure, however, may reduce the catch of clupeids substantially because the targeted increase in mesh size will most likely allow clupeids, which are smaller in body depth and length, to swim through the meshes.

On the other hand, if a seasonal restriction to the use of drift gillnets were to be enforced, it might be possible to retain the current mesh size, maintain catches of clupeids and reduce catches of juvenile R. kanagurta. Based on the literature, the spawning months for the target species are March to August (H. quadrimaculatus), May to September (R. kanagurta), and August to October (S. fimbriata). A closed season for the use of drift gillnets from April to September would protect spawners and juveniles of all 3 target species, and perhaps of other scombrids and carangids as well.

Such measures will require extensive consultations since the closure will involve several months (i.e., 6 months). It would be best, however, if such measures were also backed by studies on local stocks since information from other fishing grounds may not necessarily hold for the northern Sea and the west coast of . Other factors, like the value chain and employment, also need to be considered since these have a large contribution to the overall value of the resource.

D.1.3. Shift in gear use. Beach seines typically use fine (< 3cm stretch) mesh sizes so their catches are mostly made up of juvenile fish. As earlier mentioned, the coastal topography of Antique allows pelagic fish to come close to the shore, making not only small juvenile fish, but larger adults as well vulnerable to beach seines. Hence, increasing their mesh sizes will still allow them to catch larger adults. The current practice of banning their use in the month of May is laudable, and merits systematic verification of the reproductive state of vulnerable species at that time of the year. Gradually extending the closure, adding a month each time, will have a positive overall impact, especially if it covers the period of spawning and recruitment (e.g., April to September) for most pelagic species caught by the gear.

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D.1.4. Other recommendations

(i) Carangids make up a substantial portion of the monitored catches during the study (Fig. 28), up to 17% (equivalent to 56MT per year), particularly of catches from longlines (Fig. 30). Unfortunately, we were unable to pick this up early enough in the study to include members of this family as target species. Relatively large-sized jacks (3 to a kg) and other species are being sold as dried fish in Culasi for as low as Php 130- 150 per kg. The low price is suggestive of an oversupply, at least at certain times of the year (Summer) because fresh fish of the same species are worth much more. We did not gather any information about the marketing of these fish, but they should have been included as target species as well. (ii) While we have no length measurements for longline catches, catch rates from this gear were generally high (mean = 22.3kg/fisher/trip) strongly suggesting that most of the catches are large individuals. They also operate, at least during the study, off Batbatan Is. (zones 5 & 6 I Fig. 6), where adults are likely to be more abundant than juveniles. Interviews revealed that they also use larger hooks to catch larger fish. Furthermore, the cost of the gear itself, plus the added fuel cost to operate further offshore, limit the number of longline operators. Hence it is likely that longline fishing in the area is still sustainable. If this is so, a shift in fishing from the use of beach seines and drift gillnets to longlines may be an option to encourage, especially if carangids and other large demersals such Pristimoides sp. which were also common in the catches are not overexploited. These are additional potential marketable species which need to be assessed to serve as viable alternatives in the long run. (iii) Trichiurids were included in the initial list of target species but were not monitored because catches during the study were landed outside of Culasi. Since they make up 18% of catches from hook and line (equivalent to about 3.4MT yearly), it may be worth taking a closer look at this group by monitoring their landings in neighboring municipalities like Tibiao.

D.1.5. With these recommendations, spawning potential of the target stocks may be increased to the more acceptable range of 20-30%. Aside from the harvest control recommendations above, fisheries monitoring should be continued with the following improvements:

(i) A more detailed map of fishing zones should be used to allow reconstruction of spatial patterns of fishing and distribution of particular species (e.g., catch rates or where large and small individuals are found). Such information provide valuable insights to the different aspects of harvest control measures.

(ii) Biological sampling (i.e., length measurements and maturity staging at least) should be done more frequently, and covering a longer time period (at least 12-16 months) to cover all size ranges caught in the fishery and all seasons.

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(iii) The recording of catch and effort by enumerators and field assistants should be checked closely and regularly to make sure that proper and more complete information is recorded regularly. Frequent visits to the site in the initial months are critical for this.

(iv) It is important to note that field enumerators and field assistants can be easily trained to record catch and effort, but species identification, which is oftentimes overlooked or considered of little importance (vs common names) is critical and imperative. The use of scientific names is necessary since local names vary even between barangays, so that it is very common that a single common name may be used for 2 or more similar species, or that different common names are used for different life stages of the same species. Field guides and training on how to use them are important parts of the monitoring. In the same light, field-determined maturity stages should always be verified in the lab, unless sound expertise has been developed in the field.

(v) Efforts should be made to establish an LGU-implemented fisheries monitoring program to generate the data they need to be able to manage their resources properly for the long term.

(vi) Parallel laboratory-based studies, like ageing and fecundity studies, should be conducted for the target species to better understand more about critical processes (growth, recruitment) in their biology that are important in management of local stocks.

Data from the current monitoring program of RARE, under the Fish Forever Program, are not available for Culasi, Antique. The program, however, has been implemented in other RARE sites for at least a few years now. Some of the improvements mentioned above may be taken up in the on-going monitoring effort, so that the resolution and representativeness of the data become more meaningful and useful for management. RARE has fellows in their various sites, and these may serve as catalysts for establishing fisheries monitoring programs in those sites where none have been initiated yet.

Literature Cited

Allen, G.R. and M.V. Erdmann, 2012. Reef fishes of the East Indies. Perth, Australia: Universitiy of Hawai'i Press, Volumes I-III. Tropical Reef Research.

Amin, A.M., M.M. Sabrah, A.A. El-Ganainy, and A.Y. El-Sayed. 2015. Population structure of Indian mackerel, Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier, 1816), from the Suez Bay, Gulf of Suez, Egypt. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies; 3(1): 68-74.

Campos, W.L., D.M. Guarte, L. C. Paraboles and P.D. Beldia. 2013. Status of Fisheries in the Verde Island Passage. Fisheries Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Verde Island Passage.

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Final report submitted to Conservation International, Phils., UP Visayas Foundation, Inc., MIag-ao, Iloilo, Philippines. pp. 3-38.

Carpenter, K.E. and V.H. Niem (eds). 2001. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes: The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific, Volumes 3-6. Bony Fishes. FAO, Rome.

Collette, B.B. and C.E. Nauen, 1983. FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 2. Scombrids of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of tunas, mackerels, bonitos and related species known to date. Rome: FAO. FAO Fish. Synop. 125(2):137 p.

Foale, S., 1998. What's in a name? An analysis of the West Nggela (Solomon Islands) fish . SPC Traditional Marine Resource Management and Knowledge Information Bulletin No. 9:3-19.

Froese R., & D. Pauly. (eds). 2016. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, (06/2016).

Kuiter, R.H. and T. Tonozuka, 2001. Pictorial guide to Indonesian reef fishes. Part 1. Eels- Snappers, Muraenidae - Lutjanidae. Zoonetics, Australia. 1-302.

Lavapie-Gonzales, F., S.R. Ganaden and F.C. Gayanilo, Jr. 1997. Some Population Parameters of Commercially-Important Fishes in the Philippines. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippines. 114p.

Mundy, B.C., 2005. Checklist of the fishes of the Hawaiian Archipelago. Bishop Museum Bulletins in Zoology. Bishop Mus. Bull. Zool. (6):1-704.

Myers, R.F., 1999. Micronesian reef fishes: a comprehensive guide to the coral reef fishes of Micronesia, 3rd revised and expanded edition. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 330 p. Oka, S. and K. Miyamoto. 2015. Reproductive biology and growth of bluestripe herring Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus (Ruppell, 1837) in the northernmost waters. J. Applied Icthyol. 31 (2015), 709-713

Primavera, Y. H. 1998. The coral reef fisheries of Malalison Island, west central Philippines. Master’s Thesis. University of the Philippines Visayas.

Whitehead, P.J.P., 1985. FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 7. Clupeoid fishes of the world (suborder Clupeioidei). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of the herrings, sardines, pilchards, sprats, shads, anchovies and wolf-herrings. FAO Fish. Synop. 125(7/1):1-303. Rome: FAO.

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Appendix

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Appendix 1. Group interviews conducted in Brgy. Bitadton Norte (above) and Malalison Island, Culasi, Antique on April 2017.

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Appendix 2. Group photo with MAO personnel and fishers after the group interview in Malalison Island (above) and the octopus lure (locally known as bitsoy) used in catching octopus in the island.

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Appendix 3. Group interview and group photo in Brgy. Malacañang, Culasi, Antique on April 2017.

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Appendix 4. Training of enumerators and field assistant on recording catch and effort monitoring in Culasi, Antique on April 2007.

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Appendix 5. Hands on training of enumerators in processing fish samples in Culasi, Antique on April 2007.

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