San narciso: Fisherfolk in San Narciso, Zambales are turning to the "lambaklad," a sustainable and fuel-efficient fishing method, to stay afloat as global oil prices continue to rise.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Deep-Sea Fishing Association of La Paz reported that the stationary fishing technology, introduced by the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) in 2024, has transformed from a simple livelihood project into a critical economic advantage. Positioned just 500 meters from the shoreline at depths of 20 meters to 45 meters, the lambaklad allows fishers to harvest without the need for long-distance travel or constant boat movement.
The lambaklad operates as a passive, stationary "set net" that utilizes a long "lead" net to intercept migratory schools and naturally guide them into a series of chambers toward a final "bag" for efficient harvesting. By strategically positioning the gear near the shoreline, it eliminates the need for active pursuit at sea, allowing fisherfolk to conduct daily harvests with minimal fuel consumption while ensuring the safety of the seabed and non-target species.
'Hindi kami gumagastos nang malaki sa gasolina, kasi malapit lang siya. One liter lang, nakaka-harvest na kami. Hindi katulad noon sa malalayo, deep sea talaga, gagastos ka ng mga PHP1,500 sa gasolina pa lang (We don't spend much on fuel because it is nearby. With just one liter, we can already harvest. Unlike before, when we had to go far out into the deep sea, we would spend about PHP1,500 just on gasoline),' said Simplicio Orendain, a local lambaklad management officer.
Before adopting this method, fishers often spent entire nights at sea, sometimes traveling up to 50 nautical miles. Now, the community conducts two streamlined daily harvests, one at 6 a.m. and another at 4 p.m., lasting only one to two hours per harvest. Reny Correa, president of the Alimbuhabu Fishing Association, cited the significant impact on their daily operations. 'Noong wala pang lambaklad, halos magdamag kami sa laot. Napakalaking bagay po yung lambaklad sa amin dahil dagdag kita. Hindi na po kami papalaot nang malayo (Before the lambaklad was installed, we spent almost the entire night out at sea. The lambaklad is a huge help to us because it increases our income, and we no longer have to venture far into the deep sea),' Correa said.
Over the past two years, the method has yielded an annual average harvest of 12,000 tons of migratory species, including tuna, mackerel, skipjack, squid, and round scad. Beyond fuel savings, the DA-BFAR highlighted the environmental benefits of lambaklad as a "passive" fishing technology. Its design allows fish to move naturally into the system without disrupting marine habitats or damaging the seabed. The bureau also ensures that strict conservation rules are followed, with fishers promptly releasing any by-catch back into the water to maintain ecological balance.
To further support the community, the DA-BFAR established Community Fish Landing Centers near these areas. These facilities serve as common service hubs and accessible marketplaces, improving post-harvest handling and increasing income opportunities for coastal families. As fuel prices remain unpredictable due to the crisis in the Middle East, officials said the lambaklad serves as a promising model for modernizing small-scale fisheries while strengthening national food security.
