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Story Publication logo August 25, 2011

Philippines: Increased Demand for Fish Strains Local Economy

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Philippines
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The Philippines: Surviving on Disappearing Natural Resources

Abundant marine, animal and plant life in the Philippines supports a rapidly growing population of...

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As headlines announce recent scientific studies on the rapid rates of ocean acidification and mass extinction of species due to climate change, the impact can be felt in many remote regions of the globe. On the island of Biton, homes are supported on stilts and face the open sea. To the west is the South China Sea and to the east is the Sulu Sea. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
A fisherman in Biton prepares rowing material for his boat. Image Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
The homes in Biton rise from the seawater. They are supported on bamboo stilts while thatched leaves cover the rooftops and walls. The materials to construct and maintain a home come from pockets of rainforest now under threat. The only home made from cement and hardwood is that of the local government leader. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
Hook and line fishing is the most common practice in Biton and other surrounding islands. A fisherman explained how the feathers of their roosters are plucked to make an effective lure. On the ground nearby, a fish net awaits repair. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
This fisherman in Biton is considered the most marginalized. He pays a motorized boat to tow him out to sea to fish for the coral trout. A box-like container in the middle of the boat acts as an aquarium to keep the reef fish alive for sale. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
For necessities, such as food and other goods, locals in Biton must travel to the mainland. This market in Taytay is their one-stop location for shopping. Although the prized coral trout is caught in nearby waters, the fish sold in the market are more affordable for daily consumption. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
With few available toys, children in Biton are resourceful when it comes to entertainment. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
Women on their way to dispense food in a fish cage. Farming fish helps relieve overfishing. Although such steps toward sustainability are occuring, harmful practices persist. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
Helen Dandal, Biton’s district counselor, showed a day’s catch that will be a meal. The Philippines is experiencing a rapid decline in fish stocks at the commercial level. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
With no television or other modern forms of entertainment, life in Biton revolves around the environment. Children can swim and dive. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
Coral trout and other local fish are grown in the cages that are submerged at depths of 15 to 30 meters. Fishermen believe that the deeper the cage, the better for the coral trout to retain its red or green color that receives attention and a higher price. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
A worker at a local buyer’s store on the mainland prepares coral trout for the next sale. The most valuable fish are the ones that are alive. A kilogram of live coral trout sells for about $42. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
Residents from Biton and other island communities await transportation at a dock in Taytay. Biton's residents were thankful for the efforts of conservation organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund, to protect marine areas. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
A boat bound for Manila is anchored in mainland Taytay. It will bring the fish to market in Manila. The World Wildlife Fund calls the Live Reef Food Fish Trade a ‘boom-and-bust’ business. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.
A supermarket in Manila sells coral trout. The saleswoman confirmed that the reef fish were sourced from Palawan. The fisherman receive less than a quarter of the price that the fish get in the supermarket. Image by Coleen Jose. Philippines, 2011.

A global demand for live reef fish is straining the economic health of a small island community in the Philippines. The remote island of Biton is part of a municipality that is one of the most active sites in Southeast Asia for what is known as the Live Reef Food Fish Trade. Fishing for the prized coral trout is the main source of income for Biton. In the capital of Manila and farther locations, such as Singapore and Hong Kong, the coral trout is an expensive culinary indulgence.

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