Illegal Fishing: In the Eyes of Filipino Fishermen

Abstract

Illegal fishing is a common practice among Filipino fishermen, particularly in province areas. Under the Philippines' law, fishing without authorization and cause damage to the marine ecosystem is considered illegal and punishable. This qualitative study was conducted to unfold fishermen's stories in illegal fishing, particularly in the coastal areas of Misamis Occidental. Snowball sampling was utilized to identify the 8 participants who engaged in illegal fishing for at least five years. This study used Moustakas’ transcendental phenomenology to analyze the data and come up with meaningful themes. Four meaningful themes emerged from their stories; acquired local practice, economic abundance, anxiety and fear, and be law-abiding and upright. It revealed that fishermen were influenced by their family, peers, and community to commit illegal fishing activities. They spur to shift their traditional fishing methods due to their family's needs, particularly the education and the unexpected hospitalization among family members. Based on the study, it is recommended that the government strengthen its information campaign against illegal fishing and provide additional income to sustain the fishermen's essential needs.