TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN – Four Japanese researchers have completed a 421-kilometer journey from Baler, Aurora to Sta. Ana, Cagayan in line with their survey on the dynamics between fishers living within the area and the sea.

The activity, led by Dr. Kosaku Yamaoka, professor of the Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology of Kochi University in Kochi, Japan, is in line with Kurushio science – an ongoing study being led by Kochi University with collaboration from BFAR RO2 and other government agencies.

Kurushio also known as Black Current is a warm and nutrient-rich ocean current that flows north from along the eastern coast of the Philippines, turns right off the southern coast of Taiwan and then runs eastward mainly along the Pacific coast of Japan. Various studies have been conducted to determine the status of resources and socio-economic effect of the marine waters encompassed by Kurushio.

The survey, made thru kayak and held from March 7 to March 23, has provided a unique perspective on Region 2’s less accessible places.

“At the first and second stage of our survey, the fishers do not recognize the presence of the current (agos), but beginning the third stage, people already recognize this,” Yamaoka said.

As per their raw data, Yamaoka said that the fishers who are willing to fish within the path of the current have higher income compared to those who do not. “Higher risk equals higher income,” Yamaoka revealed.

Sea kayak is a very good tool for socio-economic survey in isolated coastal areas as the psychological wall is very low compared when researchers arrive in the area using flashy vehicles, Yamaoka said.

According to Dr. Evelyn Ame, BFAR for its part, has conducted studies on seaweeds and seagrass assessment, Porphyra fisheries in Region 02, dolphinfish fisheries in Batanes, climate change studies and recently, status of elvers fisheries along Kurushio areas.

“We welcome the studies being conducted by our Japanese counterparts as surely it can help us in planning interventions appropriate for our constituents in areas encompassed by the Kurushio,” BFAR RO2 Regional Director Jovita Ayson said.