Journal
| Title | Rapid fisheries assessment of pelagic rays (Mobulidae, Chondrichthyes) in Northern Mindanao, Philippines Posted by Ephrime Metillo |
| Authors | Metillo, EB, Masangcay SIG, Arnold S, Verdote DMM |
| Publication date | 2023/10 |
| Journal | Asia Pacific Journal of Science and Mathematics |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 13-18 |
| Publisher | MSU-IIT |
| Abstract | Information on devil rays, particularly Mobula species [latest taxonomy has placed Manta in the Genus Mobula], are very limited in Northern Mindanao waters. A rapid survey using semi-structured interview and small group focus discussion was conducted in November of 2015 in Labason and Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte; Plaridel, Misamis Occidental; Talisayan and Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Information was collected to understand catch information about Mobula spp. in terms of gear type and fishing target, as well as history of fishing and trading and perceived population trends. A total of 22 respondents, mostly male fishing crew, confirmed current bycatch of Mobula spp. as well as past history of Manta spp. and Mobula spp. in the study sites. Bycatch primarily occurs in drift nets and other nets set for the target species of swordfish, tunas, horse mackerel and other pelagic species with some reports of bycatch in hook and line for large pelagics. This occurs between September to June. There are reports of opportunistic targeting of Mobula spp. when they are around during fishing activities and unconfirmed reports of target fishing at one site (it is important to note that this study occurred before the Philippines banned in 2017 all fishing for Mobula spp.). Respondents indicated that historically target fishing for Mobula was more wide spread in the region than in the current day. There is a local market for meat and occasional selling of dried gills to buyers in Zamboanga City and Manila. Most respondents perceived a decreasing trend in catch and by-catch and attributed it to overfishing and climate change. This brief investigation revealed that Northern Mindanao fishing communities continue to see and interact with Mobula spp. regularly while fishing, and it is an important area for more in-depth research on biology, fisheries, ecosystem conditions, and trade for further understanding of the conservation of mobulids in the Philippines. |
| Index terms / Keywords | Mobulidae, Northern Mindanao, rapid assessment, fisheries |