Philippine Marine Biodiversity Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following correctly describes the classification of the waters within the Philippines?

Internal Waters include the seabed and subsoil of water bodies outside the territorial boundary.

Archipelagic Waters encompass areas beyond the 12 nautical miles limit.

Only Internal Waters and Territorial Sea are recognized under Philippine law.

The Philippines has sovereignty over Internal Waters and Archipelagic Waters. (correct)

What defines the boundaries of the Territorial Sea of the Philippines?

It encloses only the largest islands of the archipelago.

It extends 24 nautical miles from the low-water line.

It is measured from the center of each island in the archipelago.

It is measured 12 nautical miles from the baselines of the archipelago. (correct)

How many species of fish are considered commercially important in the Philippines?

2,645 fish species are commercially important.

731 fish species are commercially important. (correct)

1,000 fish species are commercially important.

3,212 fish species are commercially important.

Which type of mangrove species is present in the Philippines?

46 species of mangroves. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Archipelagic Doctrine' refer to?

It asserts that water bodies between islands are considered internal waters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the piado in a FAD-based fishing operation?

To manage the fishing fleet in the fishing ground Signup and view all the answers

Which fisher is responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and organization of nets during operations?

Maestro pokotero Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to palaran handliners, what is a significant characteristic of pamariles fishers?

They can venture beyond the Philippine EEZ. Signup and view all the answers

Which role requires familiarity with weather patterns and their effects on fishing grounds?

Piado Signup and view all the answers

What is a key navigational tool that a kapitan must be skilled in using?

GPS and compass Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that defines municipal fishing operations?

Use of vessels 3 gross tons or less or no boat at all Signup and view all the answers

How many Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) are designated in Philippine Waters under FAO 263?

12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the area covered by FMA 5, making it the second largest among the FMAs?

483,417 sq.km Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an intended objective of managing fisheries in the Philippines?

Promote high-tech commercial fishing only Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the total area of the South China Sea does the area covered by FMA 5 and FMA 6 represent?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of taxonomy within the field of systematic biology?

Providing scientific names for organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes classical taxonomy?

Based mainly on morphological traits of typical specimens Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with coining the term 'new systematics'?

Julian Huxley Signup and view all the answers

What does new systematics consider that classical taxonomy does not?

Variety of characters including behavior and genetics Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of systematics does not fall under the definition of taxonomy?

Investigating evolutionary histories Signup and view all the answers

What classification system is attributed to the Greek philosopher Aristotle?

Basic grouping of organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which work of Corolus Linnaeus marked the starting point of modern zoological taxonomy?

Systema Naturae Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between systematics and taxonomy?

Systematics includes phylogenetics and biosystematics. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the earliest methods of classification used by hunter-gatherers?

By edibility and danger Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of fish systematics helps in educational contexts as per Linnaeus's work?

Trivial names for species Signup and view all the answers

Which animal group is the most threatened according to the information provided?

Amphibians Signup and view all the answers

What does an RLI value of 0 indicate?

All species are extinct Signup and view all the answers

How often are assessments for the Red List Index repeated?

At multi-year intervals Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary purpose of the IUCN Red List?

To assist in saving species from extinction Signup and view all the answers

What does the Red List Index measure across the species it evaluates?

Survival likelihood Signup and view all the answers

Which fish port complex is described as the premier fish center of the Philippines?

Navotas Fish Port Complex Signup and view all the answers

Which fish port complex is noted for its significant role in the Mindanao area?

Davao Fish Port Complex Signup and view all the answers

What type of support did the Japanese Government provide for the establishment of the Zamboanga Fish Port Complex?

Financial assistance through the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund Signup and view all the answers

Which fish port complex serves as a major center of fish trading in Region VI?

Iloilo Fish Port Complex Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fish port complexes was the first major fishing port under the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority?

Navotas Fish Port Complex Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the declining fisheries productivity in the coastal areas of the Philippines?

Overharvesting and loss of habitats Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Philippine population lives in coastal zones?

62% Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental issue is contributing to declining productivity in the marine environment?

Rising pollution from land-based activities Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge facing fishponds in the coastal areas of the Philippines?

Low average production per unit area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the main focus of coastal management?

Addressing interconnected issues impacting coastal areas Signup and view all the answers

What was the highest number of apprehensions reported in a single year from 2016 to 2018?

499 Signup and view all the answers

Which illegal fishing method accounted for the highest percentage of monitored activities in recent years?

Dynamite fishing Signup and view all the answers

In which year were the most illegal fishing activities reported?

2016 Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the illegal fishing activities monitored was attributed to fishing with 'superlights'?

4% Signup and view all the answers

Which region accounted for the lowest percentage of illegal fishing activities monitored?

Region 7 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Republic Act 10654?

To prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is NOT authorized to enforce fisheries laws according to Section 158?

Department of Education Signup and view all the answers

When was the Philippine Fisheries Code (RA 8550) originally enacted?

July 28, 1998 Signup and view all the answers

What does DA Administrative Order No. 19, s. 2015 address?

The implementing rules and regulations of RA 8550 Signup and view all the answers

Which act serves as the foundation for the development, management, and conservation of fisheries in the Philippines?

RA 8550 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Coral Reef Biodiversity

46 species of mangroves contribute to coastal ecosystems.
Rich marine biodiversity includes 3,212 fish species, with 731 being commercially important.
550 coral species present, divided into 500 hard corals and 50 soft corals.
Includes various aquatic environments: 2,645 marine species, 251 brackishwater species, and 348 freshwater species.
Approximately 2,000 reef fish inhabit these environments.

Philippine Maritime Entitlements

Conceptual framework consists of Internal Waters, Archipelagic Waters, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and Extended Continental Shelf (Philippine Rise).

Internal Waters

Defined as waters landward of archipelagic baselines not part of Archipelagic Waters.
Philippines claims sovereignty over these waters, including airspace and seabed, as outlined in UNCLOS.

Archipelagic Waters

Refers to waters on the landward side of archipelagic straight baselines.
Governed by the "Archipelagic Doctrine", recognizing archipelagos as sovereign units.

Territorial Sea

Extends 12 nautical miles from baselines surrounding the Philippine archipelago.
Sovereignty includes airspace, seabed, and subsoil under UNCLOS guidelines.
Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) are delineated with FMA 5 covering 483,417 sq. km and FMA 6 covering 293,930 sq. km, encompassing a large part of the West Philippine Sea.

Fisheries Objectives and Management

Focus on participatory governance for sustainable fisheries management.
Emphasis on ecosystems approach to food security.
Aims to provide supplementary livelihood opportunities in line with the Amended Fisheries Code.
Encourages cooperation among local governments, national agencies, and stakeholders.

Municipal Fishing

Defined as fishing operations using boats of 3 gross tons or less or no boat at all, mostly for sustenance.
Includes inland fishing in freshwater bodies, such as lakes and reservoirs.
Regulated by local governments and supported by nearly 500,000 ha of inland water bodies.

Commercial Fishing Operations

FAD-based fisheries include master fishers, boat captains, and divers, who possess extensive knowledge of fishing practices and fish behavior.
Roles include overseeing operations, navigation, monitoring fish biomass, and net deployment.

Tuna Handline Crew Structure

Two main types of handline fishers: palaran (in municipal waters) and pamariles (in distant waters).
Fishing vessels vary in size with capacities for 8 to 20 crew members.
Each vessel requires a captain and chief mechanic for effective operation.

Registration and Licensing for Commercial Fisheries

Certificate of Ownership (CO) establishes legal ownership of fishing vessels and contains specific vessel information.
Certificate of Philippine Registry (CPR) registers vessels under the Philippine flag without a validity period unless ownership changes.
Shipstation License assigns communication frequencies and ensures compliance for maritime vessels.

Global Fishing Fleet Overview

Africa's fishing fleet comprised over 19% of global vessels in 2022, increasing from 18% in 2019.
Motorized vessels account for approximately 3.3 million, about two-thirds of the global fleet, a slight decline from a peak of 3.5 million in 2020.
Non-motorized vessels decreased from 2 million in 1995 to 1.6 million in 2022.

Regional Vessel Distribution

Asia leads with 80% of global motorized vessels and 54% of non-motorized vessels as of 2022.
Africa holds 42% of the world's non-motorized fleet, collectively with Asia representing 96% of this category.

Vessel Size Distribution

Size data available for only 37% of the global fleet, with 89% of known vessels measuring under 12 m overall length.
Information is not available for major fishing nations like China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, which together account for nearly half of the global fishing fleet.

Other Tools of Taxonomy

Key aspects include behavior, physiological differences, and diet.

Systematics vs. Taxonomy

Systematics encompasses scientific naming, description, preservation, classification, identification, distribution data, evolutionary history, and environmental adaptations.
Taxonomy focuses on naming, describing, preserving collections, and classification of organisms.
Classical taxonomy, originating with Plato and Aristotle, relies on morphological traits.
Modern taxonomy, termed new systematics by Julian Huxley, integrates various biological characters beyond morphology, including genetics and ecology.

History of Biological Classification

Hunter-gatherer classifications based on edibility, taste, habitat, and danger.
Aristotle classified living organisms, forming the basis for current taxonomy.
Carolus Linnaeus introduced binomial nomenclature, establishing a two-part naming system for species in "Species Plantarum" and "Systema Naturae."

Fish Systematics

Fish systematics is the study of fish diversification and classification.
Branches of systematics include numerical (biostatistical methods), biochemical (analysis of protoplasm), and experimental (evolutionary units).

Contemporary Fish Systematics

Mainly relies on morphological traits; environmental effects can complicate strain identification.
DNA analysis of mitochondrial genomes provides insights into evolutionary relationships and species origins.

Component Fields of Systematics

Biodiversity: Studying variety and quantity of organisms.
Taxonomy: Describing organisms’ attributes.
Classification: Organizing organisms into hierarchical groups.
Nomenclature: Naming organisms.
Biogeography: Analyzing organism distribution and abundance.
Evolutionary Biology: Classifying based on phylogenetic relationships.
Phylogenetics: Investigating evolutionary relatedness through molecular and morphological data.

Freshwater Fish Diversity

Over 32,500 fish species; more than 15,000 are freshwater species.
Freshwater fish represent about 25% of vertebrate biodiversity.
Average of 305 new fish species described annually since 1976.
Major freshwater fish families: Cyprinidae, Gobiidae, Cichlidae, Characidae, Loricariidae, Balitoridae.

Biogeography of Rhinogobius Species

Highlights geographical influences on species classification.

Binomial Nomenclature

Linnaeus’ two-part naming system provides a universal identification method, reducing confusion from various common names.
Scientific names are in Latin, facilitating international communication in science.

Importance of Scientific Naming

Universal coding system avoids common name confusion.
Names are derived from the species’ genus, descriptors, discoverers, and places of discovery.

IUCN Red List Overview

The IUCN Red List is an inventory of species' conservation status, established in 1964.
It serves as an essential indicator of global biodiversity health and extinction risk.
Provides crucial information on species range, population size, habitat, threats, and conservation actions.

Red List Index (RLI)

RLI tracks trends in overall extinction risk for various species.
RLI value of 1.0 indicates all species are classified as Least Concern.
A constant RLI value over time implies unchanged overall extinction risk for a group.
Rapidly increasing extinction risk among coral species noted.

Importance of the IUCN Red List

Informs and catalyzes action for biodiversity conservation and policy changes.
Guides decision-making processes related to biodiversity and resource allocation.
Used by governments to monitor progress towards biodiversity targets.
Improves conservation planning by identifying Key Biodiversity Areas.
Raises awareness about biodiversity and its impact on human health and livelihoods.

Categories of the IUCN Red List

Extinct (EX): No surviving individuals; example includes endemic cyprinid fishes from Lake Lanao, 15 out of 17 species are extinct due to non-native species introduction.
Extinct in the Wild (EW): Species surviving only in captivity; for instance, Dabry's sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus) from the Yangtze River Basin faces drastic population decline due to overfishing.
Not Evaluated (NE): Nearly 1.9 million species described but not yet assessed by IUCN.

Philippine Red List and PARLC

The Philippine Red List Committee was formed to assess wildlife conservation status.
The Philippine Aquatic Red List Committee (PARLC) establishes criteria for aquatic species classification.
PARLC prioritizes the establishment of critical habitat based on scientific data and established criteria.

Sub-committees within PARLC

Focus areas include freshwater bony fishes, marine invertebrates, pelagic and demersal fishes, aquatic snakes, cetaceans, and aquatic plants.

Recent Assessments

As of December 2023, PARLC assessed and published the status of 85 freshwater fishes in the Philippines, highlighting species like the Philippine medaka, which is endemic to Northern Luzon and has a limited distribution.
Conservation efforts aim to assess population status and habitat conditions for prioritizing conservation and restoration efforts.

Fish Port Complexes in the Philippines

Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC): Premier fish center in the Philippines, one of the largest in Asia, managed by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA). Acts as a landing site for commercial fishing boats.
General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC): Key infrastructure for the East Asia Growth Area (EAGA), crucial for post-harvest fish processing in Mindanao.
Davao Fish Port Complex (DFPC): Seventh commercial fish port managed by PFDA, significant for the Mindanao region.
Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (ZFPC): Establishes a systematic fish marketing and distribution system, supported by international funding, enhancing regional fishing industry operations.
Iloilo Fish Port Complex (IFPC): Major center for fish trading and marine product processing in Region VI.

Coastal Areas in the Philippines

Over half of the municipalities (54%) are coastal, with almost all major cities located in these areas.
62% of the Philippine population resides in coastal zones, heavily relying on marine fisheries for over 50% of their animal protein intake.
Coastal areas face rapid population growth and widespread poverty, compounding challenges like declining fisheries productivity due to overharvesting.
Pollution from various activities is detrimental to marine environments, affecting water quality and fish health.
Global climate change poses serious risks to coral reefs and associated fisheries.

Issues and Management in Coastal Areas

Illegal Activities: Destructive fishing methods (blast fishing, use of poisons), intrusion into municipal waters, and habitat destruction threaten marine ecosystems.
Conservation Measures: Effective coastal management must address linked issues impacting the fishing industry and marine biodiversity.
CITES: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora aims to regulate trade of threatened species globally.

Fisheries and Sustainability

Fisheries face declining productivity with low economic returns due to multiple factors, including pollution and habitat loss.
Illegal practices, such as cyanide fishing, severely disrupt coral ecosystems, resulting in significant socio-economic losses, much higher than immediate gains from such practices.

Licensing and Registration of Fisherfolk

Local governments maintain registries to monitor municipal fisherfolk and fishing activities, ensuring fair resource usage and compliance with regulations.
National Registration Program: Supports a systematic application for the registration of municipal fishing vessels and gears, enhancing fisheries management.

Reference Points in Fisheries Management

Reference points serve as benchmarks to assess fishery stocks and inform harvest strategies. They include:
- Limit Reference Point: Indicates levels to avoid for sustainability.
- Trigger Reference Point: Signals when action is needed to protect fish populations.

Objectives of the National Registry System

Aims to protect the rights of subsistence fisherfolk, foster standardized registration procedures, and compile data to inform fisheries management and conservation efforts.

Apprehensions and Violations

DA-BFAR reported apprehensions of 150 in 2016, 499 in 2017, and 454 in 2018.
Top violations include unauthorized fishing, the use of active gear in municipal waters, and employing unlicensed fishers.

Enforcement Actions

PNP-MG recorded 2,170 arrests in 2015, 2,698 in 2016, and 3,571 in 2017 across 649, 634, and 959 operations, respectively.
The Philippine Navy noted illegal fishing activities: 3,629 in 2014, 2,530 in 2015, 2,377 in 2016, and 1,739 in 2017.

Regions and Methods of Illegal Fishing

In January-September 2018, 925 illegal fishing activities were monitored, with 87% occurring in five top regions.
The percentage distribution of illegal fishing methods includes:
- Dynamite fishing (23%)
- Trawl fishing (23%)
- Unauthorized fishing in municipal waters (18%)
- Fishing with fine-mesh nets (12%)
- Ring net fishing (9%)
- Purse seining (6%)
- Fishing with ‘superlights’ (4%) and ‘super d zipper’ fishing (3%)
- Poison fishing (2%)

Estimates of Illegal Fishing

Municipal illegal fishing: 257,000-402,000 MT/year, valued at Php 24.1 – 37.8 billion.
Commercial illegal fishing: 259,000-364,000 MT/year, estimated at Php 17.7-28 billion.
Total illegal fishing ranges from 516,000-766,000 MT/year, worth Php 41.8-62.6 billion.

Impact of Explosives on Aquatic Life

Use of explosives causes severe harm to fisheries, often resulting in death or incapacitation of species.
Distinct physical injuries include blood oozing from gills, bruises, and dislocated vertebral columns.

External and Internal Indicators of Harm

External signs: reddening eyes, blood egress from body openings, scale loosening, and visible bruising.
Internal signs: crushed organs, free blood in the stomach cavity, and ruptured blood vessels leading to internal hemorrhage.

Sampling Procedures and Preservation

Fish samples are collected for lab analysis, with specific guidelines for size and handling.
Samples for evidence preservation must be labeled with scientific names, wrapped properly, and ideally frozen or packed in ice.

Pollution Sources

Aquatic pollution can arise from point sources (e.g., sewage discharge) and non-point sources (e.g., agricultural runoff).
Activities contributing to pollution include use of banned chemicals in agriculture and excessive application of fertilizers.

Harmful Algal Blooms

Explosive growth of specific algae can result in "red tides" and are harmful to fish due to oxygen depletion.
Around 75 species of these microscopic organisms produce potent toxins that threaten marine life.

Factors Affecting Fishing Conditions

Environmental factors such as water temperature, pH, salinity, rainfall, and weather events (El Niño, storms) significantly influence fishing outcomes.
Social conditions, including the age and education of fishers, impact fishing practices and sustainability across the industry.

Fisheries Laws and Administrative Orders

Republic Act 8550: Enacted on July 28, 1998, established the Philippine Fisheries Code, focusing on development, management, and conservation of fisheries and aquatic resources.
Republic Act 10654: Amended RA 8550 on February 27, 2015, aiming to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 19: Issued on September 22, 2015, provides implementing rules and regulations for RA 8550 as amended.

Enforcement of Fisheries Laws

Authorized Enforcement: Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, including the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, are authorized to enforce fisheries laws. Fish wardens can be appointed from local communities.
Prohibitions: Engaging in fishing activities that violate light usage regulations, fail to secure permits, or fishing during closed seasons is strictly prohibited.

Noteworthy Violations and Penalties

Unauthorized Fishing: Unlicensed fish capture or operation in municipal waters is prohibited. Commercial fishing is restricted unless permitted.
Poaching: Foreign nationals are banned from fishing in Philippine waters, with presumption of poaching applied to foreign vessels entering these waters.
Penalties: Violations can result in administrative fines, confiscation of gear, and imprisonment.

Environmental Concerns and Regulations

Aquatic Pollution: Defined as harmful substances introduced into aquatic environments, including waste dumping and use of banned chemicals.
Good Aquaculture Practices: Compliance with best practices is mandated for aquaculture operations to ensure sustainable practices.

BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources): Philippine government agency responsible for managing fisheries resources.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization): A UN agency focused on achieving global food security.
PFDA (Philippine Fisheries Development Authority): Oversees fish ports and fishery development.
UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea): An international treaty providing a legal framework for marine activities.

Additional Legislative Acts

Executive Order No. 533: Mandates Integrated Coastal Management to ensure sustainable coastal and marine development.
Republic Act No. 11985: Enacted on March 11, 2024, aims to revitalize the salt industry in the Philippines, allocating funds for development.

Projects for Agricultural Development

Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD): Aiming at the marginalized agricultural and fishery sectors.
FishCoRe Project: World Bank-funded initiative focused on enhancing coastal resiliency until 2029.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the diverse marine species and maritime entitlements of the Philippines. This quiz covers coral reefs, fish species, mangroves, and various aquatic zones including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Explore the fascinating ecosystem that thrives in Filipino waters.