AN MMSU research paper entitled Spatio-temporal analysis in seaweed gathering and marketing in selected coastal areas in Ilocos Norte was recognized as the best among the 25 papers presented during the 8th National Conference on Gender and Fisheries conducted by the National Network on Women in Fisheries in the Philippines, Inc. (WINFISH) held on September 28-30 at Madurriao, Iloilo City.

Authored by Drs. Susan Aquino and Zenaida M. Agngarayngay, Science Research Specialist and retired Supervising Education Program Specialist of MMSU, respectively, the paper compared the roles of men and women in seaweed gathering and marketing activities relevant to time and space.

Results showed that both men and women gather seaweeds in the supra and intertidal zones of the sea shores, but only men go to the subtidal zone and spend more time for the activity. This suggests that men are better classified as risk-takers compared to women. In selling seaweeds, however, women are likely doing the job predominantly.

Supra zone is the area above the coastlines that is regularly splashed, but not submerged by ocean water. Seawater penetrates these elevated areas only during storms with high tides. On the other hand, intertidal zone is also known as the foreshore and seashore and sometimes referred to as the littoral zone. It is the area that is above water at low tide and under water at high tide.

Meanwhile, subtidal zone is part of the sea that is submerged most of the time, and exposed briefly during extreme low tides around full and new moon events. This zone provides habitat to a large diversity of plants and animals in contrast to the other zones.

The research study was among the 25 presented in the conference, which included three others from Region 1. Aquino who presented the paper, received a certificate of recognition and cash award.

The conference is an activity of WINFISH with support from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), and the University of the Philippines in the Visayas. It served as a venue for sharing research findings, experiences and emerging ideas related to gender and fisheries by faculty, researchers, extension workers, professionals in the fishery sectors, and students from the academe, local government units, and private sectors.

This year’s theme is “Promoting inclusive development for women and men in fisheries and agriculture.” (By Lea C. Agbigay)