A report on Gracilaria farming development and management of natural seaweed grounds in eastern Sorsogon

Abstract

The paper describes the general physical and demographic features of eastern Sorsogon where Gracilaria farming is being developed. Gracilaria, like the Eucheuma seaweeds prior to farming, are presently gathered from the wild stocks. Unless some form of management is introduced, the natural seaweed beds will be depleted due to intensive collection for cash income by the fishing community. Initial development activities carried out by the Project, PHI/89/004, is presented with recommendations for immediate future action to ensure sustainability of development efforts being provided by the project.