Aquaculture Studies
2025, Vol 25, Num, 4 (Pages: AQUAST2178)
Economic Analysis of Invasive Aquatic Species in the Aquaculture Areas of Pampanga, Philippines
Walter Pacunana 1
1 Pampanga State Agricultural University, Department of Fisheries, Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines 2011
DOI :
10.4194/AQUAST2178
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Invasive aquatic species (IAS) are unintentionally released in natural habitats in bodies of water and pose a threat to native species. This disruption of the diversity of their habitat can result in social, biological, and economic damage. IAS often thrive because they have no natural competitors or predators. This study was conducted due to a lack of data on the impacts of IAS on the livelihood of the local fish farmers in the Philippines. Thus, it focused on six municipalities, which included three brackish water areas (Minalin, Masantol, Macabebe) and three freshwater areas (Candaba, Arayat, Magalang) in Pampanga. Data was gathered from fish owners and cooperators through surveys and interviews on the costs of control measures, types or practices of preventive measures, and any additional income from IAS as a raw material. The collected data were analyzed using cost-benefit analysis. The study found that the estimated costs associated with IAS were higher in brackish water areas (PhP19,486,477/ USD340,830) compared to freshwater areas (PhP15,388,491/ USD269,239). However, the estimated benefits totaled PhP 13,803,448 (USD 241,507) for both areas (freshwater: PhP7,164,400/ USD125,349); brackish water: PhP6,639,048/ USD116,157). The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) indicates that the costs associated with IAS outweigh the benefits, hence leading to a net economic loss. The study concludes that addressing IAS issues should be a priority for government intervention to control IAS populations, raise awareness about declining native species harvests, and mitigate the loss of livelihood for the local fish farmers.
Keywords :
Aquaculture resources Benefit-cost ratio (BCR) Economic state Livelihood fisheries