Livelihood Projects

Hello, everybody. Today, I start my blogging career to discuss livelihood projects, specifically mariculture projects, in the Philippines. There are an estimated 90 million people living in the philippines, a great percentage of which lives withing a few miles of the ocean, most of those people are dependent on the ocean for their food and income. With an ever-growing population here in the Philippines, greater and greater demands are put upon finite marine resources. At the same time, destructive fishing techniques like the use of active 'trawl' gear and dynamite fishing is still prevalent in most areas of the country.

This means that more and more resources are needed as less and less resources abound in and around coastal areas. To supplement the income of small-scale farmers, there are many options for secondary income. One of the ways to generate secondary income is through seaweed farming. Seaweed, contrary to what most might think, is a highly valued commodity worldwide. Seaweed and seaweed extracts are used for everything from gelatin and food thickening, to bacterial culture medium (Trypticase Soy Agar (TSA)) and toothpaste. It just so happens that much of the Philippines is in waters that can readily support culture of seaweed. Seaweed operations can also increase fish density with added habitat and cover. For these reasons, I'm working with the Municipality of Babatngon and regional government agencies to start a large seaweed nursery in coastal waters. Sporelings will then be dispersed to local fishermen for their own household operations. This picture is from the seaweed lab at the regional Beareau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources lab where they're growing lots of strains for culture in and around our region. Although many persons are not into the idea of learning a whole new trade, and would just a soon keep on doing what they know, there are a few people, including local and regional staff, who see a paradigm shift beginning. Many fisherfolks and their families are open to new ideas, but just need to be given the tools and the opportunity to change their habits. Part of my work here in Babatngon, Philippines is to find those people who are willing to do things differently, to find a new way, and help them make it happen.