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Abstract

This study attempts to validate the ‗spill-over effect‘ which has been used as theoretical foundation of MPA establishment that would guarantee improved fish catch and henceforth the welfare of the households. Given their socio-economic characteristics, small-scale fishing communities are still the most vulnerable sector in the country. The use of multiple indicators was preferred to capture the different dimensions of the issue of living standard and poverty, in response to the criticisms on these different indicators. The main data gathering method employed in this study was the households, through field survey. The communities‘ level of acceptance possibly influenced an MPAs extent of management and enforcement to reach level 4, as reflected in the differences in the mean value of the level of acceptance between levels 1 and 4, and levels 2 and 4. The varying total household incomes were neutralized by the households‘ total expenditures and family size. With regards the body mass index, all the households posted values which fall within the normal range, regardless of total household income, household expenditures or family size. The community expressed concerns on the establishment of MPA in their area. Generally, they expressed that their fish catch has dwindled over the years even with the presence of the MPA. The results of this study show that effective MPA enforcement and management do not guarantee improved human welfare. In this regard, other interventions are still necessary to supplement MPA establishment, management and enforcement as a strategy in addressing poverty in the countryside, specifically the small-scale fishing communities.

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