DOI: 10.26650/ase.2026.1906571 ISSN: 2602-473X

Cephalopod Market In Selected Fishing Areas In Bicol Region

Antonino Mendoza Jr., Renan Bobiles, Joshua Bista, Francis Silva, Jaila Bola, Mavie Rodriguez, Mikko Serrano, Annabelle Del Norte-campos, Wilfredo Campos
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The cephalopod diversity, fishery, and market value remain underexplored in the Bicol Region despite its increasing significance in local livelihood. This study conducted a market survey from June to July 2025 on selected landing sites of Asid Gulf, Lagonoy Gulf, and Ragay Gulf. A standardized survey protocol adopted from del Norte-Campos (2019) with criteria for ranking cephalopod species [commercial value (40%), catch rates (20%), sources of threats (20%), frequency in the markets and source sites (10%), and literature available (10%)] was used. Results revealed a total of ten (10) cephalopod species documented belonging to Order Teuthida, Octopoda, and Sepiida with day octopus (Octopus cyanea), broadclub cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus), bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana), and swordtip squid (Uroteuthis edulis) present across all three gulfs. Based on Jaccard Similarity Index (presence or absence of cephalopods), Lagonoy Gulf and Ragay Gulf exhibited highest similarity (67%), while Asid Gulf and Ragay Gulf showed the least similarity (44%) relative to cephalopod composition. Species ranking varied across all gulfs, attributed to variation in fishing gears, catch rates, and market demand. Survey data revealed declining trend in catch volume with an increasing market value demand over the past five years, indicating heightened market value amid reduced stock availability. The findings underscore the growing economic importance of cephalopods in the Bicol Region while raising concerns about potential overexploitation driven by increasing market demand. These trends highlight the need for strengthened fisheries monitoring, sustainable harvest, and management strategies for long-term viability of cephalopod resources and the livelihoods dependent on them.

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