Domestic distribution of marine products and stakeholder relationships in Panay Island, Philippines

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the distribution of marine products from the Batan Estuary in Panay Island, the Philippines, and the relationships between actors in this distribution system. To achieve these objectives, we interviewed 24 seafood distributors located around the Batan Estuary and in Kalibo, using a structured questionnaire, in March and October 2013 and in September 2015. The results showed that the food system of raw marine products from the Batan Estuary is completed within the country. The results of distributors' proˆt margins indicated that the distributors had not established a monopoly or an oligopoly. They experienced di‹culties in procuring and selling products owing to increased competition during product collection. Theˆndings suggested that the rising domestic demand for marine products has led to overˆshing, causing resource depletion and consequent decrease in the supply of these products, and that this situation might have deteriorated following intensifying competition among distributors.