Yield estimates, catch, effort and fishery potential of the reef flat in Cape Bolinao, Philippines

Abstract

Catch, fishing effort and yield estimates of the Cape Bolinao reef flat fishery in Lingayen Gulf, Philippines are provided, based on data collected from May 1987 to April 1988. The dynamics of the dominant species, the rabbitfish Siganus fuscescens, suggest that such fisheries are capable of maintaining a high production in site of heavy fish in pressure. However, yield comparisons with those of other reef fisheries in the Indo-Pacific region, along with characteristics of the catch and the use of multiple gear types, suggest that current extraction rates should not be increased.