Ethnoichthyology and conservation practices of the Calamian Tagbanwa in Coron Island, Palawan, Philippines

Ethnoichthyological studies have provided evidences of the rich knowledge of traditional fishermen about fish. Customary marine tenure systems and traditional practices are seen as alternative to approach problems in fisheries management. This study examines the extent of the local ecological knowledge of the Calamian Tagbanwa about fish and compares with existing scientific information, describe the fishing gears and methods, resource management practices and customary laws. Group discussions, ethnographic interviews and direct observations are used to understand the underlying principles of how the Calamian Tagbanwa categorize marine resources found in their ancestral waters and factors influencing their resource use and management. The Calamian Tagbanwa classifies fish based on habitat, schooling behavior, morphological appearance and market value. Their knowledge about the habitat and the diet of the fish in most part is in accordance with the scientific literature. This indicates that their knowledge has direct implication to the status of ancestral waters and may contribute to the fishery management strategy in the preparation of their sustainable and protection plan. The folk taxonomy of the Calamian Tagbanwa includes fish as a life-form and their naming system is constructed in terms of their interaction with the marine environment. Hook and line, spear gun and gillnet are the commonly used fishing gears during southwest and northwest monsoon, respectively. Calamian Tagbanwa conservation practices in the ancestral waters are in the context of sacred and restricted areas. The punishments traditionally practiced are panglaw-hands are tied in a wooded contraption for 5 days and bordon-12 lashes of rattan cane. The influx of migrants and the use of illegal fishing methods cause the decreasing fish harvest among Calamian Tagbanwa. Poverty, influence of migrants and introduction of christianity are seen as hindrance in continuing their beliefs and practices in the ancestral waters. Information campaign, consistent implementation and recognition of their customary laws will help in the protection of their ancestral waters.