Antoniette Lorain Z.

Dimaano F175 – Section 1

Who matters: Man or Sea?

The problems faced by Coastal resource management (CRM) are not only numerous but also
complex and interconnected. Atom Aruollo in his award-winning documentary “Philippine Seas”,
showed a few of such. One of which was poaching. It was first shown with dolphins. Lack of
awareness on the ecological importance of dolphins and only the misconception of seeing them as
pests led to such activity. The fact that dolphins in that area target only mesopelagic pelagic fishes
and squids which are beyond the reach of a fisherman’s fishing gears should be known to locals. This
only shows that there is a huge gap that needs to be filled between the scientific community and the
common folk. However, it could be that this was also a sad result of overfishing. Instead of blaming
themselves, they blame it on those innocent creatures. Although only recently that they changed their
ways due to the profit brought by these cetaceans, lack of deep appreciation and awareness should
still be addressed. Fortunately, in the documentary, specifically in Palawan, we see that it’s not
completely helpless for the common folk. “Bantay dugongs” can also be “Bantay dolphins”. Its sad
however, that this was not established until the dugong population declined. Most probably Tañon
strait, with dolphin abundance, preventive measures by the locals would also not be given much
importance until only less than 50 would be left (Aragones et al 2013).
Aside from dolphins and dugong, sharks and sea turtles are also illegally hunted. With shark
finning, one can see that inhumane side of these hunters. Since sharks do not have swimming
bladders, they solely rely on their fins to keep them from sinking. Without their fins they become an
easy prey, they cannot find food, they struggle constantly on the seafloor until they die of suffocation.
Moreover, they have slow growth, delayed maturation, long reproductive cycles, low fecundity and
these acts threaten their population. As key predators, their absence would gravely affect the
ecosystem. Unlike dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles, sharks are feared by many having lesser
people wanting to protect them. Luckily, there are recent trends for shark tourism spreading a deeper
appreciation for sharks. Additionally, the amendment of Section 4 and the Chapter VI of the Fisheries
Code of the Philippines 1998 aims to protect sharks and their fins. (Castro et al. 1999; Golez 1998).
Another important issue tackled in the documentary was that of Tuna production in General
Santos City. Truly, it revealed the deceiving sizes of tuna in local markets. Although, they seem to
have caught huge tunas, fishers’ journey far into the ocean to the point that they cross boundaries
and get imprisoned. Ironically, although they were doing a good honest job, they suffered grave
penalties, while other foreigners that commit illegal deeds can easily get off with lenient policies in the
Philippines. These municipal fishers who are incapable of protecting themselves at this competitive
era, are being robbed off their place in society. Lucky for those in Tañon strait and those in the
‘sardine run’ of Cebu since they have ecotourism as an option. But how about the tuna fishers? It is
no question now why some venture into illegal fishing practices such as dynamite fishing even though
it might cost them their lives. At this point, it can be seen how humans have not only turned their
backs on the environment but also to their own.
The complex and difficult problem faced by CRM would be in managing humans. Araullo
showed that when given enough time, nature could heal itself. But, will humans also be the same,
leaving their destructive ways, apathy, selfish desires? Obviously, useless dwelling of the past will not
the solve problems. It is a fact that several conservation movements and CRM efforts have been
done. Now, its just a matter of conquering the majority. Small acts like this documentary, reach
millions. Hence, all hope is not lost for with time change happens.
Literature Cited
Aragones LV, Talaue-McManus L, Anne M, Borigas R. 2013. Dolphin Watching in the Southern
Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, Philippines: Issues and Challenges. Science Diliman
[accessed 2020 Feb 29].
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259497553_Dolphin_Watching_in_the_Southern_Tano
n_Strait_Protected_Seascape_Philippines_Issues_and_Challenges
Castro J, Woodley C, Brudek R. A Preliminary Evaluation of the Status of Shark Species. Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. [accessed 2020 Mar 1].
http://www.fao.org/3/X2352E/X2352E00.htm
Golez R. 1988. Amending Section 4 and the Chapter VI of the Republic Act No. 8550 otherwise
known as the Fisheries Code of the Philippines 1998. House of the Representatives. [accessed
2020 Mar 1]. http://savephilippineseas.com/lerxmfry/download/basic_15/HB00300.pdf