Understanding vulnerability and building resilience in small-scale fisheries: the case of Davao Gulf, Philippines

Abstract

ABSTRACT Global fisheries face a significant crisis, including overexploitation of fishing grounds, marine pollution, and climate change impacts. This paper aims to assess the effects of climate change impacts and the resilience of small-scale fishers (SSF) in Davao Gulf. It investigates the effects of climate change impacts, vulnerabilities, and resilience of small-scale fishers in Governor Generoso, Lupon, Malita, Sta Maria, Don Marcelino, and Davao City using focus group discussion (FGDs) (N = 9) to identify and understand climate change resilience among participants (N = 135). The results showed that all small-scale fishing communities experienced at least two to three climate hazards i.e. northeast monsoon (Amihan), southwest monsoon (Habagat), and typhoons, which bring fierce winds and heavy rains that cause flooding. Moreover, due to the availability of an alternative non-fishing income such as driving and construction work, carpentry, or other manual labour opportunities, fishers are able to recover and recoup the days lost fishing due to climate-related hazards. The policy analysis suggests that the government should provide social benefits, such as free medical check-ups, medicines, decent housing, and water, to keep fishers and fishing communities productive and healthy. In addition, local government should create seasonal jobs and replacement of fishing gear should be given to fishers to increase their resilience. Highlights Small-scale fishing communities experienced two to three climate-related hazards annually e.g. northeast monsoon (Amihan), southwest monsoon (Habagat), and typhoons; these hazards bring flooding which can result in illness e.g. dysentery, leptospirosis; Fishing communities are disrupted by these hazards and clamour for alternative jobs to ensure their livelihoods, and more inclusive social benefits from the government could deliver large benefits; Community resiliency can be enhanced as a solution to cope with climate change impacts by raising awareness, training and disaster preparedness; stronger local policies can empower affected people and communities to act in a timely way.