3rd and final page.

Alternative.
In a recent article on blast fishing, ICLARM suggested what could be the most effective management option in the San Bernadino, a model proven successful in other countries such as Indonesia: the creation of a national marine reserve to serve as a sanctuary for remaining fish stocks as well as provide for the safe passage of rare and endangered species, like the bottle-nose dolphin (Turslops truncatus), whale sharks and turtles coming from the Pacific. In the case of San Antonio, such efforts may actually help generate other sources of income for local communities by way of high quality reefs where frolicking dolphins and friendly whale sharks in the marine reserve could lure thousands of divers each year from asia, Europe and the Americas. Likewise, development plans such as that advocated by Collamar rest largely on ecotourism to provide alternative livelihood for local communities. Otherwise the economic hardship in the fishing communities of San Antonio and elsewhere in Samar will continue to lure small fishers to the cheap but dangerous alternative of blast fishing. Right now, Agora said, it is difficult to envision a 10,000-hectare marine reserve in the midst of the San Bernadino as to be able to generate alternative incomes for the entire population of about 50,000 fishers in the area. And it seems likely that whoever is supplying ammonium nitrate or bugas-bugas from Cebu will enjoy "booming" sales in the immediate future.

The above article has been reproduced exactly as published.

The "Flying Dog" Resort interview in relation to this article.

Local fishermen interviewed in relation to this article.

back to home page