Over Troubled Waters: A Mixed Method Research on the Impacts of Fishing Industry and Life Satisfaction among Fishermen

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

A range of literature vastly supported the importance of the fishing industry in sufficing the protein demands and in helping the community to achieve socio-economic development. However, it is patent that fisher folks are only given very less attention and support despite the role they play in food and economic security. In this study, we explored if the impacts of the fishing industry can increase the life satisfaction of fishermen and what factors contribute to their contentment.

METHODS

The sequential explanatory mixed-method research design involving two distinct phases was used. In the quantitative phase, 30 fishermen who actively engaged in the fishing industry of Barangay Magnaga responded to a standardized-modified questionnaire which underwent validation by experts to measure the impacts of the fishing industry and life satisfaction. On the qualitative phase, a set of research questions were created out from the quantitative through five in-depth interviews of fisher folks, one focused-group of mariculturists, and five key informants comprised of wives of fishermen who witnessed the challenges in the industry to triangulate data.

RESULTS

Quantitative findings demonstrated that indeed the extent of impacts of the fishing industry with reference to the fishing indicators are high in socio-economic development, low in the level of income from other sources, moderate in employment generation, and very high in priority areas development. It is also indicated that the level of life satisfaction among fishermen is high. Moreover, qualitative data suggest that threatening calamities, lack of financial security, health-related issues, and scarcity of baiting hooks are some of their struggles, and finding alternative jobs, take agricultural jobs, business engagement, hard work, and perseverance helped fisher folks cope with these challenges. On the other hand, the factors that affect their life satisfaction are enough income, harmonious work in the fishing industry, relationship with others, sound physical health, positive emotional health, and enough support from the government.

DISCUSSIONS

The results revealed that the impact of the fishing industry is highest in priority areas development and lowest in gaining income from other sources. It also demonstrated that fishing itself is the greatest factor that affects fishermen's satisfaction and emotional health doesn't affect their contentment that much. Themes generated in phase 2 thereby highlight the need for an intervention program to cater to fishermen's dilemma.