Mike’s research is focused on the social and political aspects of marine resource management in the Asia-Pacific. He recently completed his PhD in the Resource Management in Asia-Pacific Program at the Australian National University. His thesis examined fishers’ responses to marine resource regulations in Palawan province, Philippines. He is currently a Research Associate at the School of Social Sciences, University of Queensland.

ABSTRACT:

Fishers involved in the live reef fish trade in Palawan province, Philippines, are currently facing significant challenges. Years of overfishing and the use of sodium cyanide have meant that the quantity and quality of fish catch has declined significantly in recent times. Also, attempts at regulating the fishery has meant that fishers will likely soon face much tighter restrictions on how many fish they are allowed to catch. This seminar will present some early findings on how fishers are responding to these challenges and the broader implications of these responses for management, based on recent fieldwork in Palawan.