Authors

Cesaria R. Jimenez

Author

Dionel L. Molina

Co-author

Jerry P. Garcia

Co-author

Mariefe B. Quiñones

Corresponding author

Harry Kenn T. Dela Rosa

Co-author

Jeanette J. Samson

Co-author

Margarita C. Paghasian

Co-author

Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan, Misamis Oriental
Mindanao State University- Maigo School of Arts and Trades, Maigo, Lanao del Norte

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Roundscads Decapterus spp., locally known as “galunggong or marot” are small pelagic fishes that form a major segment of the country's fisheries. These are tagged as the “poor man’s fish” in the early 1990s because of their affordability. However, recently they have become more expensive for many Filipino families due to a sharp increase in market prices brought about partly by declining catch. Despite their contribution to fisheries production in Iligan Bay, scientific information on their stock, fishery, and reproductive attributes which are important in the formulation of fisheries management options are wanting. This paper presents the composition, abundance, and catch trends of roundscads in Iligan Bay. Among all fish groups landed, roundscads were the second most abundant next to the tuna group. The roundscad species identified in Iligan Bay were Decapterus macrosoma, D. macarellus, D. kurroides, and D. tabl, of which D. macrosoma was the most abundant at 40.10%. Samples were caught mainly by ring net, the only commercial gear operated in the area, and a variety of municipal gears. Roundscad landings which were contributed largely by commercial fishing showed seasonal patterns as probably influenced by monsoon seasons. High catches, totaling to 56.86MT, occurred during the Northeast Monsoon from October 2017 to May 2018 while low catches, amounting to 3.06MT, were monitored within the Southwest Monsoon from June 2018 to September 2018. The foregoing results provide basic information on roundscad resources in Iligan Bay that forms part of a scientific basis in crafting a suitable fisheries management plan.