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In Siquijor, the islanders, like most of the Philippines, are heavily dependent on the ocean for both income and food. But these days the fishermen here are catching less and less fish. Oceana, an ocean conservation nonprofit, reports that across the Philippines, 75 percent of fishing grounds are overfished, and reef fish have declined by up to 90 percent.
As fish stocks continue to decline due to both overfishing and climate change, research at nearby Silliman University shows that fishermen are trying harder than ever, resorting to illegal and destructive methods: three-layer trammel nets, chlorine poison, dynamite.
Aileen Maypa, a biologist who has spent years restoring reefs on Siquijor and neighboring islands, said the emerging ecosystem death spiral emanated directly from “Fisheries 101.” “If you do nothing,” he said, “everything is famine.”
Dr. Maypa said the participation of women has repeatedly changed the results in the region.
“Looking now,” said the men. “Women look to the future”
In the case of women, she said, the discussions are less bloody and poaching is less common, and that when new conservation projects are proposed, women almost always say yes and are more willing to accept short-term compromises and then work on expanding the projects.
“Women’s approach is softer,” she said, adding: “That doesn’t mean she’s any less strong.”
The Philippines is home to more than 1,200 marine protected areas, but most marine scientists believe that few achieve meaningful conservation goals.
The most recent local assessments in Siquijor, completed in 2019, show that at least half of the island’s 22 sanctuaries meet the criteria for “perfect” management. Two of these are led almost entirely by women.
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