Status of Lake Taal Fisheries Amid Volcanic Threat and Covid 19 Pandemic : A Preliminary Study

The status of fishery resources Lake Taal – the third largest lake in Philippines was assessed to provide updated information on capture fisheries following Volcano eruption and COVID-19 pandemic 2020. Using methodology National Stock Assessment Program NFRDI, this study conducted from January December 2021 at 15 fish landing sites around lake. In addition, interview schedules 100 fisherfolk respondents 11 coastal municipalities were also assess effect volcanic livelihood fisherfolk. Annual production estimated 1,004.14 MT. About 47% percent these comprised endangered freshwater sardine Sardinella tawilis while 31% are introduced species, 22% migratory and/or native species. Current inventory showed that number fishers, fishing gears boats increased compared 2018 inventory. more residents became dependent aftermath eruption, reported impacts include reduction activity due damaged gear boat, fear open water fishing, demand for “unsafe” claims. Though many 2020 passive or stationary such as traps corrals noticeably increased. During peak community quarantine COVID-19, movement products hindered which led disruption supply chain, activities lesser demand. there times when halted recurring threat pandemic, sustaining food what drive local learn live adjust adaptively current situation.