Fishers' communication as a critical factor for tuna catches and potential benefits of traceability draws small-scale Fishers to program

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Traceability is the ability to determine the path of a product from purchase to consumption to determine when and where it originated. This paper aimed to determine the factors influencing fish catch among small-scale fishers in Davao Gulf and fishers' decision-making to participate in a tuna traceability program. This study was conducted in seven selected coastal municipalities around the Davao Gulf (Governor Generoso, Lupon, Malita, Santa Maria, Samal, Sta Maria, including Mati City) using semi-structured questionnaires with a total of N = 264 respondents. Survey results showed that socioeconomic (household size, years in community and fish catch sold and communication of fishers) and fisheries factors (number of fishing trips) influenced fishers' daily catch (P ≤ 0.05). While perceived benefits [β = 1.217 (S.E. = 0.572), X2 = 4.17 df = 1, P = 0.041] of tuna traceability to small-scale fishers could also influence the decision of fishers to participate in the implementation of a tuna traceability program. This study showed that the fishers were willing to be part of a traceability program that can sustain and increase the value of their fish catch (94% agreed) and help them export to premium markets. An important lesson from this study is that fishers’ communication may increase catch success which can then be documented under a traceability program. While perceived benefits of traceability can incentivize fishers to join such programs by having livelihood assistance (e.g. farm implements, fishing gear replacements, cash for work). This program has the potential to contribute to ongoing efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and improve fisheries management.