Perceptions on Coastal Resources by Coastal Barangays in Mati City, Davao Oriental: Implications for the Coastal Resource Management Program

Abstract

This study assessed fisherfolk perceptions of coastal resource importance, the perceived condition of resources in Mati’s coastal barangays, differences in views across demographic profiles, existing management practices, and implications for the Coastal Resource Management Program (CRMP). A descriptive research design was used, with data collected from November 2003 to January 2004 from 358 respondents across 16 coastal barangays. All respondents were male, predominantly aged 30–39 (28%), married (87%), Catholic (73%), and Visayan (40%). Most had elementary education (59%), low incomes, household sizes of six or more (49%), and were lifelong residents (38%). They typically fished once daily (79%) for 4–6 hours in the morning using hook-and-line or pasol (71%), with farming as a secondary income source (37%). Mangrove ecosystems were rated “poor” (mean = 2.39), attributed to conversion to fishponds, overharvesting, and settlement expansion. Seagrass and coral reef conditions were viewed as moderate. Demographic factors—age, sex, status, education, religion, and income—showed no significant link with resource perceptions; however, tribal affiliation did. Mangroves were valued most highly (mean = 4.59), followed by coral reefs (4.52) and seagrasses (4.46). While fishing laws were reportedly enforced, violations persisted. For CRMP, findings suggest that sustainable management follows when community needs are prioritized—balanced development requires centering people’s livelihoods to achieve effective stewardship.