Acceptability of Territorial Use Rights in Fisheries: Towards Fisherfolk Participation in Fisheries Management

Abstract

"Municipal or small-scale fishing in the Philippines is defined as fishing that utilizes boats of three gross tons or less, or fishing without boats. In 1990, it contributed 45% to the country's total fish production and accounted for 68% of direct employment in Philippine fisheries. 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 was conducted to determine the acceptability of the practice under Philippine conditions. A survey 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 since 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 to introduce fisherfolk participation in fisheries management."