‘Bituin sa Dagat,’ dokumentaryo ni Kara David (Stream Together) | I-Witness

Summary

The video script explores the lives of starfish harvesters in Ulango Island, Cebu, where generations of families, like Mang Jerry's, rely on collecting starfish for export. Due to dwindling starfish populations, they dive deeper and farther to find them, particularly the prized blue starfish. However, despite their hard work, the income remains minimal. The story also follows Pido, a young boy who quits school to help his father. As starfish harvesting continues, concerns arise about the sustainability of this practice. The documentary highlights the delicate balance between livelihood and marine conservation.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The fishermen of Ulango Island collect starfish during low tide, typically starting their work around 6:00 AM.
• 🌟 Mang Jerry, an experienced starfish harvester, has been in the business for years and knows the best times and locations to find starfish.
• 🎣 Starfish harvesting is a local business, with the starfish being collected, processed, and sold to buyers, primarily for export to America and Europe.
• 💰 Around 30,000 starfish are exported yearly from Ulango Island, but over-harvesting is leading to a decline in starfish populations, especially the blue starfish.
• 🏝️ Starfish are sorted by size and quality before being processed, often with formalin to preserve them for export. Blue starfish are the most valuable.
• 🛶 The starfish harvesters face challenges like traveling farther to collect starfish due to their decreasing numbers, and working without modern equipment.
• 👨‍👦 Mang Jerry’s son, Pido, has stopped attending school to help his father with starfish harvesting, despite being a top student.
• 😔 Starfish harvesting pays little, with Pido and his father earning only small amounts after long hours of work, making it difficult to sustain their family.
• 📉 Experts and locals are concerned about the decreasing starfish population, which could negatively impact the long-term sustainability of the business.
• 🌏 While starfish are not endangered, the lack of regulation and over-harvesting could lead to further depletion, affecting both the ecosystem and local livelihoods.

Q & A

What is the main occupation of Mang Jerry in the island of Ulango?

Mang Jerry's main occupation is harvesting and selling starfish, a business he has been involved in for many years.

Why do the fishermen time their activities based on the tide?

Fishermen time their activities to the low tide because it makes it easier to dive for starfish, which are found in shallower waters during this period.

What are the different types of starfish found in the area?

The area is home to various types of starfish, including the Philippine starfish, thorne starfish, and blue starfish. The blue starfish is the most valuable and sought after for export.

What process is followed to prepare the starfish for export?

The starfish are collected and soaked in formalin to kill them and remove any odor. Afterward, they are sun-dried for a day, and in some cases, they are bleached or colored according to buyers' preferences.

How much does a blue starfish cost, and why is it more valuable?

A blue starfish is slightly more valuable than other types, fetching a higher price because of its size, appearance, and high demand from exporters.

What impact has the starfish harvesting had on the local population of starfish?

Over time, the number of starfish in the local waters has significantly decreased, especially the blue starfish. Fishermen now have to travel farther to find enough starfish to meet the demand.

Why did Pido, Mang Elas' son, decide to stop going to school?

Pido decided to stop going to school to help his father with the starfish harvesting. The family couldn't afford both his and his sibling’s education, and Pido chose to prioritize helping his father.

How much does Pido earn from a day of starfish harvesting?

Pido and his father earn around 41.10 pesos from a day’s work, which is barely enough to buy basic necessities like maize and doesn’t cover other household expenses.

What challenges do fishermen like Mang Elas face during starfish harvesting?

Mang Elas faces physical challenges due to his health, which makes walking and diving difficult. Additionally, they have no motorized boat, limiting their range and forcing them to use manual paddles.

What concerns do experts have regarding starfish harvesting in the area?

Experts are concerned that the increasing distance fishermen travel to find starfish indicates a decline in the local population. Although not currently illegal, this unsustainable practice may lead to long-term environmental damage.