Philippines: How the Fishing Industry is Tackling Climate Change | Global 3000

Summary

The fishermen of Silane in the Philippines struggle with dwindling fish stocks due to climate change and overfishing, threatening their livelihoods. Rising sea levels, storm surges, and erosion have devastated homes, and the community must seek alternative income sources. While some have turned to eco-tourism and small businesses like producing crackers, local efforts, such as planting mangroves, aim to protect against the changing climate. Both government and community initiatives focus on adaptation and sustainability to secure the future for these vulnerable fishing communities.

Takeaways

• 🌅 Fishermen in Salone head out early in the morning, but their catch has decreased significantly in recent years.
• 🎣 Fishermen used to catch up to 100 kilos a day, but now they struggle to make a living as catches are much smaller.
• 🏞️ The community of Salone relies heavily on fishing, and the dwindling catch impacts the entire village.
• 🌍 The Verdi Island Passage in the Philippines is home to a rich marine habitat with over 300 species of corals.
• 🔥 Climate change, including rising temperatures and extreme weather, is affecting the region, along with issues like overfishing.
• 🌊 Salone is vulnerable to coastal erosion, flooding, and storm surges due to climate change.
• 🌱 Locals are planting mangroves as a barrier against storm surges and exploring alternative livelihoods like tourism and producing snacks.
• 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Women in the community have started making pumpkin-based crackers to sell locally, helping diversify income sources.
• 🏞️ Salone is working towards becoming an eco-village, with the whole community actively involved in the effort.
• 🏛️ The Philippine government is addressing climate change with a Climate Change Commission to help communities like Salone adapt.

Q & A

Why has the catch of fish for fishermen in Salone decreased dramatically in recent years?

The catch has decreased due to factors like climate change, overfishing, and rising sea temperatures, which have affected the marine ecosystem and the availability of fish.

How do the fishermen of Salone sell their daily catch?

The fishermen sell their catch at the local market, but in recent years, the catch has been so small that it barely covers the cost of maintaining their boats and paying for fuel.

What impact does the small daily catch have on the community of Salone?

The small catch affects the entire community since most of the population relies on fishing for their livelihood. A reduced catch means less income for families and the overall economic well-being of the village is impacted.

Where is Salone located, and what makes this region environmentally significant?

Salone is located on the Verde Island Passage, a 100-kilometer-long strait in the northern Philippines. This region is significant because it has one of the largest concentrations of coral species in the country and is a major marine biodiversity hotspot.

How has climate change impacted Salone and the surrounding regions?

Climate change has led to rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and more extreme weather, contributing to coastal erosion, storm surges, and a decline in fish populations. These changes have directly impacted the livelihoods of local communities.

What man-made problems, in addition to climate change, are affecting Salone's marine environment?

In addition to climate change, overfishing is a significant problem. It has weakened fish populations, further stressing the local ecosystem and reducing the availability of fish for the community.

What measures are being taken by the community to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change?

The community has planted thousands of mangroves to act as a barrier against storm surges and coastal erosion. They are also diversifying their income by developing eco-tourism, such as renting kayaks to visitors and producing low-cost snacks like pumpkin crackers.

What role do local women play in finding alternative income sources in Salone?

Local women have banded together to produce pumpkin crackers, which they sell to schools and other markets. This initiative helps supplement the income that fishing no longer provides.

What is the goal of Salone in terms of future development, and how is the community working towards it?

The community of Salone is preparing to become an eco-village. Everyone is involved in this effort, which includes finding sustainable ways to adapt to climate change while protecting their environment and securing their livelihoods.

How is the Philippine government responding to the challenges of climate change, particularly for coastal communities like Salone?

The Philippine government has established a Climate Change Commission, which is responsible for planning and coordinating efforts to mitigate climate change. This includes involving local stakeholders in discussions and developing action plans to protect vulnerable communities.