Fishing cooperatives’ participation in managing nearshore resources: the case in Capiz, central Philippines

Abstract

This study documents the resource management initiatives undertaken by fishing cooperatives in Capiz, central Philippines and examines the conditions and the socioeconomic determinants that persuade members to assume responsibility for managing nearshore resources. The results show that in the absence of formal resource management schemes, cooperative members adopt self-management strategies to protect their resource base only if the sustainability of their livelihood is seriously threatened. There is no impediment to female cooperative members (62%) participating in resource management. The factors that positively influenced members’ participation were the number of children, perceived fishery conditions, awareness of mangrove conservation and rehabilitation, and assessment of enforcement of the ban on dynamite and cyanide fishing. Fishing cooperatives, however, fail as a source of information on regulation and conservation education of members. But if they were to undertake more education and training programs on nearshore management, cooperatives may become an effective social force in changing the present fisheries management system.