Kuroshio Science 4-1, 27-35, 2010

An Assessment of Macro-Invertebrate Gleaning in Fisheries on

the Albay Side of Lagonoy Gulf

Plutomeo M. Nieves*, Skorzeny C. de Jesus, Aldrin Mel B. Macale

and Josefa Maria D. Pelea
Bicol University Tabaco Campus, (Tabaco City, Philippines)

Abstract
An assessment of macro-invertebrates gleaning in Lagonoy Gulf fisheries was undertaken to docu-
ment relevant data sets that would shed light the gleaning fisheries. Rapid Resource Assessment (RRA)
was used with survey questionnaire. This was supplemented by data from gleaning field work and
key informant’s interview.
Results showed gleaning to be a traditional practice conducted by women along with other family
members. It is considered a subsistence fishing activity which takes place in shallow reef flats, mud
flats, sand and rocky areas, as well as sea grass including mangrove areas, thus explaining the famil-
iarity of the gleaners with the immediate coastal habitat. Species caught include shellfish, crustaceans
and other invertebrates. The fishing methods employed are very simple with stakes, bolo or rods
being used.
From an economic standpoint, gleaning is treated as a food source and as an additional income source.
Monetary benefits derived from gleaning, includes an estimated annual production of 296 tons valued
at PhP 5,920,000. This translates roughly to annual income of PhP 20,600 per gleaner. Ecologically,
because the activity uses simple tools, exploited species are given time to regenerate with gleaning
impacts being minimal. However, since invertebrates are lower down the food chain and are potential
feed for larger species, the practice may result in “ecosystem over fishing”. In-depth studies of biodi-
versity conservation; management and health and safety hazards are thus recommended.

Key words: gleaning, Lagonoy Gulf, Macro-invertebrate

Introduction 251.44 ha or 26 % (as of 1987) of their original cover

in 1956 (Vega et al., 1995). Percentage cover of live
Lagonoy Gulf is a rich fishing ground located on coral in protected areas has not changed unlike in other
the east coast of the Bicol Region. It is bordered by 15 areas where a decrease was noted (Garces et.al, 1994;
towns in the three provinces of Albay, Catanduanes and Mendoza et.al, 2000 and Soliman et.al, 2000). Sea grass
Camarines Sur covering 165 barangays with 7500 fishers beds were either disturbed or altered at varying rates due
depending on multi-species fisheries for their livelihoods to anthropogenic activities.
and employment. There are nine bays along its 221.08 All though aware of these realities, fishing remains
km coastline which are the central fishing sites for 12 of a major occupation in coastal areas and fishery resources
the 15 species of tunas and tuna-like fish, small pelagic, are the main sources of income and livelihood. In 1997,
crustaceans and shellfish of sustenance fishing which the municipal and commercial fisheries sectors directly
accounts for more than 90% of its 28,000-mt annual fish employed 675,700 and 56,700 fishers, respectively (Barut
harvest (Soliman et al., 1995). More than 60% of the et al, 2001). A recent assessment report in the Gulf
species caught in the Gulf are reef dwelling (Soliman et showed that the average income from fishing is com-
al., 1998). paratively low (PhP19, 422 to PhP 32,700) compared to
Reports also showed that the Gulf’s critical habitats non-fishing income (PhP 24,771 to PhP 41,173), making
have suffered heavy exploitation at an alarming rate. fishers worse off than their farming counterparts or other
As of 1987 the remaining mangroves were estimated at occupational groups (Pelea, et al., 2004, unpublished

*Corresponding author: e-mail [email protected]

27
 An Assessment of Macro-Invertebrate Gleaning in Fisheries on the Albay Side of Lagonoy Gulf

FRMP Report). Thus, the alleviation of poverty and was supplemented by data taken from actual gleaning in
food security is one of the major concerns that cannot be selected sites along the Gulf. Key informant interviews
ignored in coastal areas which are dependent on these were used to validate information and generate other rel-
resources. evant information.
The Gulf has been the subject of major research For data on catch volumes, catch rates, species and
undertaking. Of particular interest are the Fishery Sector size compositions, the density and biomass of species
Program (FSP) in the mid-1990, the Community-Based macro-invertebrates caught and annual catch volumes
Coastal Resource Management (CB-CRM) in early 2000 and the value gleaned in inter-tidal flats and reef flats, a
and recently the Fisheries Resource Management Project gleaner-co-operator was also consulted during sampling.
(FRMP). Unfortunately, very little attention has been Turnover rate by species was calculated as annual catch
paid to the fisheries for macro-invertebrate gleaning volume divided by annual biomass where annual catch
despite it being a traditional practice among poor coastal volume is the total volume of catch by species over the
dwellers, especially when fishing is not possible. 12-months sampling period and the annual biomass is the
Macro-invertebrates have been traditionally found total weight of the catch by species.
in inter-tidal and reef flats near coastal communities.
Because most species are sedentary or slow moving; their 2. Results and Discussion
population is highly vulnerable to over-harvesting. For
instance, giant clam species (Tridacna gigas, T. derasa, 1) Rapid Resource Assessment (RRA)
and Hippopus porcellanus) were overfished according to Rapid resource assessment (RRA) showed that the
the national survey in the mid-1980’s (Juinio et al., 1989). majority of the gleaners are women and that gleaning
The overexploitation of a sea urchin fishery in Bolinao, is usually carried out together with children and other
Pangasinan, resulted in the collapse of this multimillion family members. Children comprise 58% of gleaners in
dollar fishery (Talaue-McManus and Kesner, 1995). Sagurong, Tabaco City and adults 42% of which 66% are
Gleaning has been a traditional practice in many women and 34% men. Natunawan Cove’s gleaners com-
countries of the world. Campos, et al. (2005) conducted posed of children (27%), adult (73%), of which 73% are
a survey of Macro-Invertebrate Gleaning in the Banate women and 27% are men. While in Sogod, Tiwi, 33% of
Bay Inter-tidal Area, Eastern Panay Island. Studies on the gleaners are children and 67% adults, of which 65%
gleaning for macro-invertebrates have been mentioned are men and only 35% women.
by Vinson, et al. (2005); however details of gleaning Gleaning was undertaken in shallower coastal
contribution to livelihoods and to the total fishery areas, in reef flats, mud flats, sandy or rocky areas, and in
activity are often neglected. Official statistics and pub- sea grass areas including mangrove areas, making them
lications do not include gleaning as a subsistence fishing associated and more familiar with the immediate coastal
activity. Thus, datasets about gleaning are very difficult habitat including reef areas. Similar information was
to access because of a research bias toward major fish- noted in Fiji where women often go out daily to harvest
eries. Knowing of its importance coupled with the immi- resources, and thus, have a wealth of knowledge on the
nent danger of its depletion and extinction, the need for marine environment (Aliti, 1997). According to the
a responsive course of action becomes extremely urgent Women’s Fisheries Development Officer South Pacific
(Juinio-Meñez, M.A. 2004). On this basis, the present Commission on the Pacific islands women perform a
study was undertaken to assess the fishery for macro- range of activities associated with the harvesting, pro-
invertebrate gleaning activities in Lagonoy Gulf with an cessing and marketing of marine resources. They fish in
emphasis on the economically important species, their lagoons and reef areas, catch fish, collect seaweeds and
habitats, production and contribution to livelihoods. glean for shellfish, crabs and other invertebrates.
The RRA results showed that the fishing methods
1. Materials and Methods employed by gleaners are generally very simple with pri-
marily traditional tools and technologies. When gleaning
The study is a descriptive research undertaking for certain species, stakes or rods are the only equipment
designed to assess the status of the macro-invertebrates used but this activity requires the use of the senses and a
gleaning fishery along the Albay side of Lagonoy Gulf. skilful utilization of knowledge about the fishery.
The study made use of Rapid Resource Assessment A total of 288 gleaners were identified in the three
(RRA) techniques in generating datasets with field survey sampling sites, with Natunawan cove having the highest
questionnaires as the main data collection tools. This number (43%) of gleaners, followed by Sogod (40%)

28
 Plutomeo M. Nieves et al.

with the smallest number found in Sagurong (17%) as due “ecosystem over fishing”.
shown in Figure 1. However, because these activities are simple and
do not involve use of sophisticated equipment or tech-
nology, their impact is minimal. It can also be sustain-
able in the sense that the targeted locations vary, and
target species vary and are usually seasonal, giving cer-
tain species time to regenerate.

2) Habitat Characteristics and Status in the Gleaning

Area
Three sampling sites along Lagonoy Gulf were
selected namely: Sogod in Tiwi, Natunawan Cove close
Fig. 1 P
 ercentage of gleaners in different gleaning to thecentral Tabaco City and Sagurong on the Island of
areas San Miguel (Figure 3). Other sites such as Oson/Bunga
on Cagraray Island were also assessed for their habitat
In terms of gleaning frequency, data showed that characteristics as they are sites of occasional gleaning.
50% of gleaners in Sagurong and 75% in Sogod engage The gleaning areas identified are located on the east
gleaning 6 to 10 days a month. In Natunawan cove, coast of Albay and on part of Lagonoy Gulf. Some of
majority (68%) glean from 16 to 20 days per month the gleaning areas are found on the islands located along
(Figure 2). The findings also showed that the frequency the Gulf while others are connected to mainland Luzon.
of gleaning is apparently influenced by the proximity of The bio-physical conditions of the gleaning areas were
the gleaning sites to a gleaner’s residence and the timing identified so that they could be distinguished from each
of the lowest low tide when extensive gleaning areas are other. The description of the gleaning areas is as follows:
exposed. (1) Sogod
Located on the north-eastern coast of Tiwi; con-
nected to mainland Luzon. The Sogod River empties
its water in this area creating estuarine water conditions.
The gleaning area is considered rocky and the shoreline
is exposed to large waves during high tides, so gleaning
is done only during low tides. Observation showed that
gleaners have to turn over rocks and boulders so that spe-
cies of bivalves and univalves can be harvested. Gleaners
use metal scrapping tools to assist them in collecting
molluscs. An increased in gleaning activities occurs
Fig. 2 F
 requency of gleaning activities in different during neap tides since greater areas are exposed during
areas these time.
Most gleaners are residents of the surrounding
The intimate knowledge and familiarity of gleaners areas and their harvests are primarily consumed with any
with their immediate environment enable them to easily excess being sold to neighbours. As far as age and sex
identify and harvest the target species where they are are concerned, observation reveals that gleaners are het-
found. Gleaners usually cluster in different locations erogeneous. If a neap tide occurs during weekends chil-
depending on the species they are harvesting. They also dren of school age participate in the gleaning and thus
know exactly where to look for certain species and how increasing the exploitation of the resource.
to dig or pull them out. (2) Natunawan Cove
The target species are mostly invertebrates (i.e. fish The cove is located northwest of Malinao and
and crustaceans) and harvest either sold for cash or con- southwest of Tabaco City. Its east side is bounded by the
sumed by the family. Because invertebrates are lower Natunawan peninsula from which it gets its name. The
down the food chain, they also serve as potential food for peninsula protects the area from large waves from the
larger pelagic and demersal fish species. According to gulf making it an ideal place for gleaning. Aside from
Vina Ram-Bidesi (1997), the practice of gleaning may in gleaning, gill nets, crab lift nets and beach seines are reg-
turn may affect the more economically important species ularly operated in the area. Different species of bivalves

29
 An Assessment of Macro-Invertebrate Gleaning in Fisheries on the Albay Side of Lagonoy Gulf

Fig. 3 Map showing three gleaning sites bordering Lagonoy Gulf

and univalves are harvested regularly in the area. The gleaning is also undertaken in the area. Gill nets, spear
gleaning areas are sandy-muddy in character especially guns, and traps are used daily. Sometimes the gleaners
those near the shoreline. The area is characterized as proceed to neighboring coastal barangays so that they
79% mud flats and about 21 % mangrove swamp. In the can gather greater quantities. Similarly gleaning activities
deeper part, sea grasses which serve as habitats for other intensify during spring tides as more areas are exposed
species of molluscs and crustaceans can be found. under these tidal conditions.
During the early 60’s and 70’s window pane shell (4) Oson/Bunga
or kapis (Placuna placenta) where thriving in the area but Located on the island of Cagraray which is adjacent
lately the species has disappeared. Gleaning is popular to San Miguel Island. As in San Miguel, the gleaning
in the area and is considered as a source of livelihood by area in Cagraray Island is covered with sea grasses and
the residents and people from other places who compete seaweeds. Gleaning activity coincides with the during
to gather mollusc and other species. During neap tides the occurrence of low tides and most of the species col-
the intensity of harvesting increases since more areas are lected are more or less the same as those found in San
exposed making it safe for the gatherer to roam further Miguel. Gleaning is pursued for food consumption. Most
when collecting sea resources. Like in Sugod, there broad gleaners were residents of the island. Molluscs are the
range of gleaners as far as sex and age are concerned. bulk of the harvest with a mix of crustaceans, sea cucum-
(3) Sagurong bers and sea urchins.
Located on San Miguel Island facing Lagonoy With regards to the habitat characteristics, it appears
Gulf is a sea grass -seaweed area with a diverse fauna that the invertebrates are not uniformly distributed. The
harvested by gleaners. The habitat is 65% sea grass and marine environment around each coastal area is unique
35% reef flats. Most gleaners are residents and glean and not all organisms are present in each of the gleaning
mainly for food consumption. The sea grass species areas. For instance, in soft bottom beds with sea grass
thriving in the area are Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia and algae covered areas, molluscs (i.e. sea urchins and
hemprichii, Syringodium isotefolium, Cymodocea rotun- sea cucumbers), echinoderms (i.e. clams and octopus)
data, Cymodocea serrulata and Haludule uninervis. and seaweeds are collected. In contrast, in hard bottom
The species collected are mostly molluscs, crustacean, reef areas, mollusks, echinoderms and seaweeds are also
sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Sometimes edible sea found on coral and limestone bottoms. Shoreline, sand
anemones are accidentally collected. Fishing other than and beach gleaning will yield nerites and beach clams

30
 Plutomeo M. Nieves et al.

while in mangrove areas, the resource is primarily crabs of the harvest in kilograms per gleaner and the harvest
and other crustaceans are the main resources. rate from the weight of the harvest per gleaner over time.
Changes in the gleaning areas were noted due to The estimated harvest volume was based on a maximum
resource use pattern and exploitation. Comparative of four hours gleaning time which correspond to the
changes in habitat and resources reveal that five years duration of low tides.
ago about 62% of the gleaning areas within Sagurong Data on the total volume of harvest by sampling
were pristine and about 31 % degraded. Today, only sites is presented in Tables 1a, b and c. An aggregate
about 27% remain pristine and 19% are highly degraded, harvest volume of 2,647.84 kg was realized over the past
with 15% moderately degraded and 38% degraded 7 months of monitoring. On average, the harvest volume
(Figure 4). per gleaner based on a maximum of 4 hours gleaning
time was estimated at 9.28 kg for Natunawan; 6.12 kg
for Sagurong and 1.73 kg for Sogod (Tables 1a,b and c).
Per gleaner per hour, this is about 2.32 kg, 1.53 kg and
0.43 kg respectively. This finding showed that inverte-
brate’s population and biodiversity varies with habitat.
Among the sites, the mud flats of Natunawan Cove had
the highest yield (1,578.84 kg) followed by the sea grass
and reef flats in Sagurong, San Miguel Island (984.48
kg). The higher yield in these areas can be attributed to
the nature of the substrate in these gleaning sites.

Fig. 4 C
 omparative status of the three gleaning areas Table 1a. Aggregate total catch volume, catch volume
by degree of degradation per gleaner and catch rate in Natunawan
Cove, Tabaco City
In Sogod, Tiwi, gleaners believed that 92 % of their Total Harvest
Harvest Rate
No. of Harvest volume
gleaning area remains pristine and only 8% degraded. Month
gleaners Volume per gleaner
(kg/
Surprisingly, in Natunawan Cove, gleaners claimed that gleaner/hr)
(kg) (kg)
84% of the gleaning area remains pristine with some 3% July 30 296.800   9.893 2.473
moderately degraded and 13% degraded. These changes Aug. 24 495.000 20.625 5.156
can be attributed to an increase in the number of gleaners Sept. 24 151.075   6.295 1.574
Oct. 20 134.460   6.723 1.681
over time as shown in Figure 5. Undoubtedly, this is an
Nov. 26 205.540   7.905 1.976
alarming rate of abuse of these resources caused princi-
Dec. 24 157.840   6.577 1.644
pally by human activities is alarming. Such conditions Jan. 20 138.120   6.906 1.727
should motivate all concerned to take action to preserve Total 1,578.84 Mean = 9.28 Mean = 2.32
what remains of their resources and to formulate a pro-
gram of action to reverse the trend of declining resources. On the other hand, the comparatively lower yield
(84.52 kg) noted in Sogod, Tiwi can be explained by the
difficulty in harvesting because of the rocky nature of the
gleaning area. Gleaners have to overturn rocks and boul-
ders or use metal scraping tools in collecting the target
species.
These findings also reveal a general of decline trend
in the gleaner harvest over time (Figure 6). A drastic
decline in the volume of the harvest in Natunawan Cove
for the month of September was observed and interaction
Fig. 5 N
 umber of gleaners from year 1980 to 2000 in with gleaners points out to the changing climatic pat-
the sampling areas. terns in the area such as the occurrence of heavy rainfalls
and floods that drain off in Natunawan Cove towards
3) Estimated Production Data from Gleaning the month of September. This is a possible cause of the
(1) Harvest Volume and Rate erratic decline of the gleaning harvest.
The harvest volume was calculated as the weight In Sagurong, a continuous decline in the catch rate

31
 An Assessment of Macro-Invertebrate Gleaning in Fisheries on the Albay Side of Lagonoy Gulf

Table 1b. Aggregate total catch volume, catch volume was observed coinciding with the seasonal monsoon
per gleaner and catch rate in Sagurong, San which occurs during the last quarter of the year. While
Miguel Island, Tabaco City in Sogod, the trend appears to be generally consistent
Total Harvest Catch over the sampling period but is also indicative of a
Harvest rate declining harvest over time. With the observed declining
No. of Harvest volume
Month (kg/
gleaners Volume per gleaner trend it is that imperative in the future attention should
gleaner/hr)
(kg) (kg)
be given to in depth studies of biodiversity conservation
July 23 195.070 8.481 2.120
Aug. 23 166.540 7.241 1.810
and management.
Sept. 23 206.350 8.972 2.243
Oct. 23 190.200 8.270 2.067 (2) Species Composition
Nov. 23 102.400 4.452 1.113 Catch monitoring was undertaken in Sogod,
Dec. 23   38.320 1.666 0.417 Natunawan and Sagurong. The English names, common
Jan. 23   85.600 3.722 0.930 and scientific names and species composition for each of
Total 984.480 Mean = 6.12 Mean = 1.53 three gleaning sites are shown in Table 2.
In Natunawan a total of nine species were collected,
Table 1c. Aggregate total catch volume, catch volume six species belong to Mollusca, one to Echinodermata,
per gleaner and catch rate in Sogod, Tiwi, another to Crustacea and the last to Brachiopoda. The
Albay molluscs were the Burugat, Burubitoon, Punaw, Sisi,
Total Harvest Harvest Kud-kud and Tahong. The echinoderm Ik-ik was the lone
No. of Harvest volume rate
Month
gleaners Volume per gleaner (kg/ species, the crustacean was the Bung-kang and the bra-
(kg) (kg) gleaner/hr) chiopod was the Ugpan.
July 7 13.900 1.986 0.496 In Sagurong a total of five species were collected
Aug. 7 12.700 1.814 0.454 regularly by the gleaners and all belong to the phylum
Sept. 7 16.400 2.343 0.586 Mollusca. These are the Kud-kud, Libud-libud, Liswik,
Oct. 7 12.240 1.749 0.437
Punaw and Sarad. In Sogod four species of molluscs
Nov. 7 9.920 1.417 0.354
are harvested regularly; Halaan, Bugtay, Budbud and
Dec. 7 10.100 1.443 0.361
Jan. 7   9.260 1.323 0.331 Buhuan. The crustacean Kalasakas was also caught in
Total 84.520 Mean = 1.73 Mean = 0.43 association with these mentioned molluscs. Findings
reveal that Scapharca inequivalves, Paphia amabilis, and
Pinna sp. are common in mud flats and sea grass beds.
Some species are caught only in a specific habitat within
the coastal area.

Fig. 6 Aggregate catch rates by gleaning site in Lagonoy Gulf

32
 Plutomeo M. Nieves et al.

Table 2. Scientific name, English name and Common names of the species caught and percentage species
composition by sampling sites
Species
Scientific name1 English name Common name Sogod Composition Sagurong
Natunawan
F % F % F %
Scapharca inequivalves Inequivalve ark Kud-kud 0.76 6.95 1.69 15.78
Codakia tigerina Tiger clam Libud-libud 1.44 13.45
Strombus spp. Conch Liswik 1.27 11.86
Paphia amabilis Lovely venus Punaw/Halaan 0.69 27.60 0.63 5.76 1.12 10.46
Pinna muricata Pen Shell Sarad 0.22 2.01 0.82 7.66
Gafrarium pectinatum Venus shell Burugat 0.24 2.19
Crassostrea cuculata Oyster Sisi 2.00 18.28
Mytilus edulis Blue Mussel Tahong 0.59 5.39
For Identification For ID Bugtay 0.56 22.40
For Identification For ID Budbud 0.75 30.00
Telescopium telescopium Pond snail Bagungon 0.52 4.75
Turbo reevei Turban shell Buhuan 0.50 20.00
Polinices spp. Moon shell Burubitoon 0.58 5.30 0.02 0.19
Lingula unguis Lamp shell Ugpan 1.06 9.69
Lambis lambis Common spider conch Sahang 1.90 17.74
Conus spp. Cone Shell Tabo 0.36 3.36
Trachycardium muricatum American yellow cockle Karang karangan 0.12 1.12
Ocypode cerathopthalma Crab Bungkang 1.00 9.14 0.12 1.12
Holothuria spp. Sea cucumber Ik-Ik 1.08 9.87
Peneaus spp. Shrimp Buyod 0.25 2.29
Scylla serrata Mud Crab Haa’nit 1.00 9.14 1.00 9.34
Portunos pelagicus Blue Crab Kasag 1.00 9.14 0.85 7.94
Anomalocardia squamosa Squamose venus Kagot 0.01 0.09
Total 2.50 100 10.94 100 10.71 100
1
 ased on Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna, Volume Vl: Gastropods and Pelecypods by Rolando Garcia; Annelids by Filipinas
B
S. Palpal-latoc, Natural Resources Management Center, Ministry of Natural Resources and University of the Philippines, Copyright
1986.

(3) Density and Biomass Island were used instead. That being said, the results
The density of gleaned species was computed in obtained showed that at least 10 species of macro-inver-
terms of the number of organisms over the size of the tebrates were encountered during fieldwork. Biomass is
area occupied in square meters. Biomass on the other also relatively high in this area with 411.7 g/m2 but with
hand, was estimated based on the weight of the organism a lower density of 0.33 individual/m2.
over the size of the area occupied in square meters.
In Natunawan, six species were collected with a bio- (4) Contribution of Gleaning to the Livelihood
mass of 2.46 g/m2 with a density of 5.91 individual/m2. Little was mentioned by Campos, et al., 2005 and
It could be inferred from these findings that the weight of Vinson, et al., 2005 about the contribution of gleaning to
the harvested species is smaller but that the population is livelihoods and to overall fishery activity. In the present
denser in some areas. study, our findings reveal that gleaning does contribute to
Twenty two species of macro-invertebrates were livelihood. Specifically, gleaners consider gleaning as a
encountered during the field work in San Miguel Island, source of additional income and as a source of food. For
the highest among the three sites. Biomass is also instance, in Natunawan, nine nearby barangays (Bacolod,
highest in this area at 42.44 g/m2 with a density of 0.42 Cormidal, Nagsipit, Panal, Salvacion, San Antonio, San
individual/m2. This implies that while the biomass of the Ramon, San Roque and San Vicente) also benefit from
species caught is high, the species density is low. gleaning. Similarly, in Sogod, at least four barangays
Due to some constraints in generating the biomass (Cale, Cararayan, Libjo and Naga) also share in gleaning.
and density data for Sogod, datasets from Cagraray Based on the study, the estimated aggregate number of

33
 An Assessment of Macro-Invertebrate Gleaning in Fisheries on the Albay Side of Lagonoy Gulf

gleaners on average is 288 (Natunawan – 124; Sagurong a selling price of PhP 20.00 per kilo. At the household
– 50; Sogod - 114). level, they are used either as additional income or as a
A majority (68.38%) considers their harvest as a food source valued roughly at PhP 20,556 per gleaner
source of additional income or extra income and the annually.
remaining 36.62% use it as an additional source of food From an ecological perspective, since gleaning
(Figure 7). In the study by Quarto (2007), gleaning for activities involve the use of simple tools the impact of
shellfish during low tides represents food security not their fishing activities is minimal. In addition, because
only for the family beneficiaries but also for other local the area fished and target species vary, it provides oppor-
residents as well. tunities for some species to regenerate. However, since
most invertebrates are lower down the food chain and
are potentially consumed by larger pelagic and demersal
fish species, the practice may in turn have an impact
on economically important species due to “ecosystem
over fishing”. In-depth studies on these topic should be
undertaken.
The need for biodiversity conservation and manage-
ment studies and the issues associated with health and
safety hazards are likewise recommended as factors in
planning and management to sustain the resource on a
Fig. 7 Gleaners harvest utilization pattern
long-term basis.

Considering the monetary benefits derived from References

gleaning, with an average volume of harvest of 5.71
kilos per gleaner, an estimated volume of harvest of Barut, N.C., M.D. Santos, L.L. Mijares and R. Subade.
1,027.8 kilos can be realized assuming 15 days gleaning 2001. Philippine coastal fisheries situation: A
per month for 12 months a year. On an annual basis, strategic review. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
the estimated 288 gleaners can harvest about 296,006.4 Resources, Quezon City, Philippines.
kilos or 296 tons of macro-invertebrates per year valued Campos, A. G.C., W.L. Campos and K.A. Villarta.
at PhP 5,920,128.00 at a selling price of PhP 20.00 per 2005. A Survey of Macro-Invertebrate Gleaning
kilos. This translates roughly to an annual income of in the Banate Bay Intertidal Area, Eastern Panay
PhP 20,556 per gleaner. Island. Paper presented during the 8th National
In Natunawan and Sogod, where gleaning is con- symposium in Marine Science, Palawan State
sidered as an additional source of income, a gleaner can University, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, October
earn PhP1, 713 per month. While in Sagurong where 20-22, 2005.
most of the harvest is consumed, it translate to savings Garces, L.R., Q.P.Sia, M.J.M.Vega, J.Cabansag and V.
which can be used for other economic needs. It should Hilomen. 1994. Species composition and abun-
be noted that food in most small island communities like dance of reef communities in San Miguel Bay. In
San Miguel Island is limited compared to urban areas G. Silvestre, C. Luna and J.Padilla (Eds). Multi-
where opportunities for trading are higher and other food disciplinary assessment of the fisheries in San
sources are available. Given these benefits, gleaners Miguel Bay, Philippines (1992-1993). ICLARM
are apprehensive about the decreasing harvest and the Tech. Report.
increasing number of gleaners as this in the future may Juinio-Meñez, M.A. 2004. Invertebrate stock enhance-
affect the gleaning resources. ment, p241-245. In DA-BFAR (Department of
Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Conclusion and Recommendation Resources), In turbulent seas: The status of
Philippine marine fisheries. Coastal Resource
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