Effects of Misused Fishnets on Laguna De Bay's Ecosystem 

Pante, locally named "Pantehan," is a bottom-set gillnet that is only placed in a fisherman's desired area when fishing. It is made of monofilament, or "Tansi, " where the net is dragged during the boat ride. Monofilament is a fishing line formed from a single fiber of plastic material, which makes it prone to being tangled, cut off, and, worse, destroyed. It also has "Led lines" where sinkers and floater lines cater to the gears floating in the water. 

The usual fish targets depend on the fisherman's decision to place its net. They use different mesh sizes and widths to aim for certain fish, such as tilapia (Peter's fish) and bangus (milkfish). Veteran fishermen are most knowledgeable about what size of Pante would be used for a particular fish season, which can get a hefty amount of goods in one catch. 

Kahig is the opposite of pushnet, but it belongs in the same category as active gears because it can drag and push fishnets underwater. It has a steel frame, wood wings, and polyethylene net that mostly catches suso (snails) and tulya (clams) but can get the same fish resources as Sakag. It is also prominent to catch bottom dwellers such as kanduli (sea catfish), hito (catfish), and sometimes dalag (mudfish) 

Among the three, Sakag is the most used by the fishermen in Laguna De Bay. It is motorized, which makes the fishing style more used and increases the chances of catching many fish. It is designed to withstand strong waves and wind, which the two aforementioned cannot sustain. 

Why Illegal nets are a “catch”

The Philippines remains one of the leading threatened countries by marine ecosystems because of illegal fishing. Some fishermen resort to using illegal fishnets because of the easier way to collect a hefty amount of fish in one catch. It is not laborious, far different from the hours of waiting in the appropriate fishing practice. It is not needed to be away from the comfort of the families for days and gives assurance of tomorrow’s meal because of a high-risk reward.

Kuya Inggo’s nephew who is also a fisherman, who wished not to be named shared that some of them who delved into the unlawful fishing practice had their hands and fingers broken because of the chemicals they applied in the body of water. He quoted, “Wag kang gagaya samin kasi hindi ka naman sanay dito,” bringing forth precautionary measures for continuing to use illegal fishnets.

Environmental Impact

According to the Laguna Lake Development Authority, Laguna De Bay’s 940-square-kilometer area produces around 13,000 livelihoods for fishermen. Fisheries and aquaculture are still the preeminent lake activities, pushing the government office to implement initiatives and programs further to ensure the fish's welfare.

Fisheries Code Republic Act 8550 states that 10% of the suitable water surface of all lakes and rivers should be allocated for aquaculture practices. Stocks underwater are most affected by the illegal usage of fishnets which alters the population of those who are yet to grow and multiply. Degradation of seagrasses where most of the fishes reproduce is also a concern and that creates a huge impact on the state of water.

Fishnets are crucial for daily fishing activities, constantly submerged and interacting with the lake's rich biodiversity. However, despite regulations, some fishermen still resort to using illegal fishnets, prioritizing convenience over compliance. These illegal methods not only threaten the ecosystem but also undermine efforts to maintain a balanced aquatic environment.

Martin Dela Cruz, commonly known as “Konsi Toto,” is the President of Samahan ng Manggagawa ng Lambat (SAMALA). Their organization is composed of fishnet makers and fishermen. According to him, “panilapia” with various sizes is the common fishnet used to catch tilapia and milkfish. These are predominantly used during typhoons, where the mentioned fish are easy to catch.

Different types of fishnets with size variations can catch a hefty amount of fish in one grab. The durability of these heeds has no assurance but could reach over a year, depending on the kind of usage. Aside from the risks of inefficient equipment longevity, dangers for the state of Laguna de Bay are observed.

Konsi Toto shared that exposing inappropriate fishnets could catch turtles and some endangered species that would have difficulty getting loose inside the net, causing their deaths. Some of these affect the reproduction and growing state of small fish that are yet to multiply. 

Enforcement hurdles

In an interview, Ryan Del Mundo Moldez, the Officer-in-Charge of the Fisheries Production Section in BFAR-4a, highlighted various illegal fishnets currently in use that are detrimental to the lake's ecosystem. Among these is the "Sakag," a motorized push net equipped with a fine mesh that captures fish of all sizes, including juveniles that are crucial for future stock reproduction. Another harmful tool is the "Pante," or bottom-set gillnet, which disrupts underwater habitats and damages the equipment of other fishermen, forcing them to purchase new gear. Additionally, the "Kahig," designed to catch snails for duck feed, devastates sea creature habitats and impacts fish reproduction.

BFAR’s Fisheries Management and Enforcement Division (FMED) is tasked with addressing these illegal practices. Serious offenders are apprehended and face either administrative or criminal charges for violating environmental laws. These penalties often involve significant financial damages and the potential confiscation of fishing boats. 

According to Moldez, the use of illegal fishnets is primarily driven by their efficiency and convenience. 

"Mas marami silang nahuhuli. Hindi siya laborious. Mas madali silang makakolekta ng isda. Kaya lang, hindi nila nakikita yung long-term effect eh, di ba?" he explained, pointing out that fishermen often overlook the long-term ecological consequences.

BFAR has mandated specific measurements for fishnets to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Fishnets with a mesh size of 70-nut and above are allowed, with exceptions for fine mesh nets targeting small, mature species like "alamang." These regulations are part of broader efforts to balance the immediate economic needs of fishermen with the preservation of Laguna de Bay’s ecosystem.

To address the ongoing misuse of fishnets, BFAR is implementing several support programs. The Alternative Livelihood Program provides fishermen with free fishing gear and training on modern fishery technologies. These initiatives aim to reduce dependence on illegal fishing methods by offering sustainable and legally compliant alternatives. Moldez emphasized that BFAR conducts annual training and orientations on RA 10654, which governs the use of fishing materials, to help fishermen adhere to prescribed practices.

The misuse of fishnets in Laguna de Bay poses a significant threat to both the lake's ecosystem and the livelihoods of local fishermen. Through stringent regulation, enforcement, and support programs, BFAR aims to mitigate these impacts and promote sustainable fishing practices. By adhering to legal guidelines and utilizing appropriate fishing methods, the preservation of Laguna de Bay’s biodiversity can be ensured, benefiting both current and future generations.

Life of a Fisherman

The continuation of illegal fishing hinders the increase of fish stocks that future generations can consume. It threatens the long-term economic opportunities that fishermen will have in the next few years, leaving their main source of income at risk. 

The reality of everyday fishing is the uncertainty of assurance that a fisherman’s boat will be filled with enough fish to fill their family’s stomachs. Even under the scorching sun, their struggles and unwavering patience made their children finish their education. 

“Ang isang mandaragat, minsan maginhawa, minsan may unos,” shares Kuya Inggo. His words, rich with the wisdom of the sea, capture the duality of a fisherman's life—one of tranquil bounty and stormy struggle.

For Kuya Inggo and his fellow fishermen, each day on the water is a gamble. He also shared there are times when they get home even with zero catch fish. The financial strain is compounded by the high cost of boat gasoline, a necessary investment that often leaves them facing an income deficit.

Yet, in the face of these hardships, there is a beacon of hope and pride. "Dito sa San Antonio, maraming nakapagpatapos ng anak dahil sa pangingisda," Kuya Inggo says with a smile. Fishing has not only sustained their lives but also funded the education of many children in their community, paving the way for a brighter future.

Kuya Inggo as a member of the SAMALA positively handles the goal for government and funding agencies to alleviate their concerns as an organization. In this sense, if they are given opportunities and subsidies that will strengthen their purpose as an organization, then ultimately, fisherfolks who immerse themselves in illegal fishing methods might reconsider their actions because the grassroots cause - economic disparities - will be addressed.