[RESEARCH NOTE]

Philippine Journal of Science
152 (6A): 2267-2272, December 2023
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 11 Jul 2023

Are the Fishers of Sorsogon Knowledgeable
about and Willing to Farm the Seaweed Ulva?

Richard V. Dumilag1,2*, Mark Ariel D. Malto2, Aireen D. Malto1,2,
Stefani Reign B. Tagal1,2, Ada J. Escopete3, Maria Luisa P. Mirasol3,
Cynthia B. Mintu4, Ruby D. Olipany4, Caesar Franz C. Ruiz4, and Ida T. Capacio5

1School of Graduate Studies, Sorsogon State University Sorsogon City Campus,
Magsaysay St., Sorsogon City 4700 Philippines
2Fisheries Department, Sorsogon State University Magallanes Campus,
Aguada Norte, Magallanes, Sorsogon 4705 Philippines
3Entrepreneurship Department, College of Business and Management,
Sorsogon State University Sorsogon City Campus,
Magsaysay St., Sorsogon City 4700 Philippines
4Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Arts and Sciences,
Far Eastern University, Nicanor Reyes Sr. St., Sampaloc, Manila 1015 Philippines
5National Seaweed Technology Development Center,
National Highway, Cabid-an, Sorsogon City 4700 Sorsogon, Philippines

*Corresponding author: richard.dumilag@sorsu.edu.ph

[Download]
Dumilag R et al. 2023. Are the Fishers of Sorsogon Knowledgeable about
and Willing to Farm the Seaweed Ulva? Philipp J Sci 152(6A): 2267–2272.
https://doi.org/10.56899/152.6A.20

 

ABSTRACT

The province of Sorsogon in the Philippines has a strong history of introducing farmed seaweeds and subsequently assembling farmers who put together the required enthusiasm to ensure successful production. Ulva is a green seaweed that has a wide range of commercial uses. Its farming, therefore, presents a promising opportunity for fishers to diversify their income streams and reduce their reliance on fishing. Using survey-based responses collected from fishers in Bulusan, Sorsogon, this study aimed to assess the knowledge of the local Ulva resources and the willingness of fishers to engage in Ulva farming, including identifying the challenges that may hinder its adoption. Our findings revealed that most Bulusanon fishers were knowledgeable about Ulva resources and could identify barriers to farming. They were generally receptive to engaging in farming Ulva, primarily due to the perceived economic benefits. Fishers with considerable knowledge about Ulva distribution were more likely to farm. While most Bulusanon fishers desired to farm Ulva, they were unlikely to be willing to learn, invest, or spend time doing it. Fishers may lack the desire to farm because, in part, it requires different skill sets as well as the challenges associated with marketing. This study provides valuable insights into the development of targeted interventions to promote the adoption of Ulva farming in the region.