Acceptability of territorial use rights in fisheries: towards community-based management of small-scale fisheries in the Philippines

Abstract

The granting of territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFs) to fisherfolk associations, similar to that practiced in Japan, is recommended as a management tool for small-scale fisheries in the Philippines. This study, carried out to determine the acceptability of the practice under Philippine conditions, was conducted among 211 coastal dwellers of five municipalities in Panay Island, Central Philippines. Respondents of the survey generally perceived the practice of TURFs as acceptable as it would lead to an improvement of their catch. Results suggest that the respondents' present predicament of inadequacy of catch to support their livelihood is the starting point for introduction of the rationale for community-based management of coastal marine resources.