EVALUATION

density of the targeted fish species increase significantly by allowing the
adults to spawn during the closure instead of being caught by fishing gears
before or while they are spawning.
Another similar study conducted by ECOFISH was on blue swimming crab
for DR. But closure did not commenced yet. The project will also explore
candidate mariculture species at the lowest trophic level. These will be the
fast growing herbivorous fishes like the rabbitfishes.
Other science based studies were simulation studies on fishing effort
management. The data used include the fishery catch monitoring, fish visual
census biomass estimates and socio-economic profile. This was piloted in
DR and CIG and it will also be done in Tawi-Tawi and SDN. The outcome
of this undertaking is in line with the right-sizing of fishing effort.
All of these science based efforts by ECOFISH are inputs in achieving
EAFM. The management is not only in terms of reducing fishing effort but
also how can the marine resources be sustainable considering that there is
always a need to harvest these organisms for food and livelihood.
Annex 5 - 7