Lived Experiences of Fishermen in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, in the Changing Coastal Landscape

Abstract

The study explored the experiences of fishermen in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, amid coastal changes due to both human activity and climate change, how these affected their lives, and which community-driven initiatives were initiated. Using a descriptive phenomenological research method, qualitative data was generated from semi-structured interviews on environmental and socio-economic factors related to these changes: climate impacts, adaptation measures at the local scale, and community initiatives to address them. Based on findings, fishermen indicated reduced fishing activity due to unpredictable weather conditions. Fishers cited an unstable income and, as a result, experienced food insecurity, accrued debt, and had to suspend their children’s education due to these difficulties. Fuel costs, the use of fishing gear, and boat maintenance costs have risen, as have longer distances to fish, all making it harder to survive. Fishermen pointed to competition among fishers as compounding the challenges they face in their everyday survival. Fish stocks were being depleted by overfishing and marine pollution, undermining income generation and the sustainability of marine ecosystems. So, they have to wrestle with their financial situation due to the factors above. Fisherfolk borrowed money, changed their fishing methods, and sought temporary employment as coping strategies for these challenges. Participants have also raised concerns about the inequitable distribution of assistance and ineffective training programs. Participants encouraged more support and more uniformity in what they were offered. Along with providing evidence of resilience among fisherfolk, the research showed that better governance, especially when it comes to fairer distribution of aid after disasters, stricter enforcement of fishing rules, and greater access to safety equipment, would help support sustainable livelihoods.