VOLUME 13 NUMBER 2 (July to December 2020)

Shielameh Peralta-Milan*¹, Osamu Baba¹, and Severino G. Salmo III²

¹Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology,
      Shinagawa Campus, Tokyo, Japan
²Department of Environmental Science,
      School of Science and Engineering,
      Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights,
      1108 Quezon City, Philippines
Present address: Institute of Biology, College of Science,
      University of the Philippines, Diliman, 1101,
      Quezon City, Philippines

Market-based strategies have been used to alleviate poverty in developing countries. In the fisheries sector, knowledge on market systems is essential for market development initiatives for small-scale fishers. However, less attention has been given in understanding the dynamics of market systems and value chains. Furthermore, conducting market study on reef fisheries is challenging because of its complexity and multi-species nature. In this study, we assessed the current local marketing system of reef-sourced seafood in Lingayen Gulf, NW Philippines. We used a market analysis approach complemented with semi-structured survey in describing the market flow, in assessing the availability of reef catches, and in determining the demand patterns from the local market. The study explored opportunities that could provide advantage for small-scale fishers while supporting sustainability of reef fisheries. Results showed that different market agents were involved in the marketing of reef catches. Greater varieties of species were sold to local traders mainly because of the high dependency of fishers to suki system. A large proportion of reef catches were marketed to the locals but higher incomes were generated through direct selling of high-value species to tourists. However, the opportunity for fishers to directly sell their catch was constrained by suki system, reluctance to interact with tourists and inconsistent reef catch. A mutually beneficial partnership among key market agents complemented with government-led interventions is suggested. Potential opportunities in the tourism sector could also be tapped to support sustainable fisheries management programs.