By Kenneth Marcos 
Before dawn in coastal communities of Occidental Mindoro, many fishers head out to sea hoping for a good catch. But in recent years, they have returned with fewer fish in their nets—a troubling sign that the seas they depend on are changing.
A new Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) conducted in the towns of Looc and Lubang has confirmed what many local fishers have long observed: key fish species are declining. The study found lower catch rates for yellowfin and skipjack tuna, mackerel tuna, and rabbitfish, all of which are important sources of income and food in the area.
The assessment, completed on October 10, 2025 under the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FISHCORE) project, revealed that the two municipalities face high vulnerability to climate-related threats. These include drought, rising sea temperatures, and strong storm surges—conditions that can disrupt breeding patterns, push fish away from traditional fishing grounds, and damage coastal resources. The study also noted moderate risks of coastal flooding, which can affect homes, fishing boats, and community infrastructure.
Organized by the Department of Agriculture–National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), the CRVA aims to identify the most at-risk communities and priority species within Fisheries Management Areas 6 and 9. Through focus group discussions and surveys, researchers worked closely with fishers to understand how changing weather patterns are affecting livelihoods, fishing routes, and household income.
Fishers in Looc and Lubang reported longer trips, higher fuel costs, and more unpredictable fishing seasons. Some said they have had to switch target species or explore deeper waters, increasing both risks and expenses. For low-income households, even small declines in catch can mean skipped meals or reduced earnings from market sales.
NFRDI officials said the findings show the urgent need for climate-resilient interventions that can support coastal communities. These may include improving early-warning systems, protecting nursery grounds, enhancing monitoring of fish stocks, and training fishers in adaptive practices such as diversified livelihoods or sustainable fishing gear.
Experts warn that without timely action, declining fish stocks may worsen food insecurity in the region. The Philippines heavily relies on fisheries for protein, and coastal provinces like Occidental Mindoro depend on the sea for both income and nutrition.
As climate pressures intensify, the CRVA results serve as a call for coordinated efforts among government agencies, local leaders, and fishing communities. Strengthening resilience today, officials say, can help protect livelihoods and marine ecosystems for the generations that will inherit these coasts.
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