¹Baco, Michelle, ²Baco, Ignie Jr.

^1,2School of Management, Northern Iloilo State University, Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines

The Visayan Sea had been the source of abundant fishes supplying Iloilo and nearby provinces. It is considered as the major fishing ground due to its abundance to different pelagic fishes, crabs and squids. The study was conducted in the coastal Barangays of Carles, Iloilo including Gigantes Island which was considered to be the center of Visayan Sea. Respondents of the study were the 900 residents of Carles including the Barangay Captains of the coastal barangays. Result shows that the coastal residents of Carles has a high level of awareness on the closed season policy however a significant difference is noted in their awareness when grouped according to their marital status and educational attainment. Covid 19 pandemic post challenges to fisherfolks and the biggest challenge is loss of income because they cannot catch pelagic fishes and alternative source of income such as crab and shrimp caught has no buyer. Increase in transportation cost due to limited number of trucking services operating during the pandemic is also considered as a major problem. Based on the results, it is recommended that a stable and unseasonal alternative source of income should be provided in the coastal community, especially in the island barangays. Revival of NIPSC extension program to the people of Gigantes Island is highly encouraged.

Fisheries Code, Awareness, Implementation, Closed Season, Covid 19 Challenges

1) Alcala,Angel. Visayan Sea, Malaya: Environment, Philippines, 15 May 2004, www.malaya.com.ph/may15/envi1.htm accessed on 20 January 2020.

2) Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/view/?ref=133_133642-r9ayjfw55e&title=Fisheries-aquaculture-and-COVID-19-Issues-and-Policy-Responses&_ga=2.46597871.992033449.1623556473-546813052.1623556473

3) http://www.fao.org/3/ne814en/ne814en.pdf

4) https://mg.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/en/pcr-corner/1-about-maritime-group

5) https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2015/02/27/republic-act-no-10654/

6) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0964569120300259

Volume 05 Issue 06 June 2022

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