Traditional knowledge systems in fishing in the capital town of antique / Tito Angelo V. Galero

Includes bibliographical references

Abstract
This study investigated the lived experiences of fisherfolks in selected coastal barangays with regard to their traditional knowledge systems in fishing, the challenges that threaten the continuity of these practices, and the coping mechanisms they employ in response. Guided by a descriptive phenomenological research, data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with six participants and were analyzed thematically to capture the essence of their experiences.
The findings revealed that traditional fishing knowledge rooted in ancestral rituals and the utilization of indigenous tools remains a vital component of community identity and livelihood. However, the continuity of these practices is increasingly challenged by inconsistent fish catch, environmental fluctuations, competition with commercial fishing operations, and economic constraints in sustaining traditional equipment. In response, fisherfolks employ various coping mechanisms, including the adaptation of traditional techniques, selective integration of modern practices, strengthened communal collaboration, and reliance on cultural beliefs as sources of resilience.
The implications of this study suggest that while traditional fishing knowledge continues to hold cultural and practical value, it requires sustained institutional and community support to remain viable amid modern and ecological pressures. It is therefore recommended that local government units, in partnership with fisherfolk communities, establish community-based fisheries programs that document, support, and integrate traditional fishing knowledge into sustainable coastal resource management initiatives. In doing so, the study contributes to ongoing discussions on cultural preservation, community resilience, and sustainable coastal resource management.
Keywords : Traditional Knowledge Systems, Fisherfolks, Coping mechanism, Challenges encountered, Fishing gears

Theses/Dissertations Graduate Studies