Facemask: Protection or threat?

Facemasks were widely used as a protection against SARS-COV-2, which significantly reduced COVID-19 transmission during the pandemic. However, concerns have been raised regarding its adverse impacts on human health due to intense use and mismanagement. Although rampant plastic littering was the norm before the pandemic, the magnitude of the problem is worsening as potentially COVID-19-infected facemasks are thrown along the shoreline. This study assessed the discarded facemasks on the most popular beach destinations in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines. A total of N = 284 discarded facemasks were found in a cumulative area of 22,500 m2, with an average density of 8.4 × 10-4 items/m2. The surgical facemask (82 %; n = 234) was the most abundant type of facemask found in the areas, followed by KF94 (16 %; n = 45) and KN95 (2 %; n = 5). The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in the visual counts of facemasks on the three beaches (p < 0.05).

Impact of COVID-19 and closed fishing season on commercial fishers of Davao Gulf, Mindanao, Philippines.

Understanding the disruption of fishing activities due to COVID-19 and closed fishing season can provide an immediate reference for policy directions that help the government direct its resources to the most affected agricultural sectors. This study examined the impact of COVID-19 and closed fishing season on the commercial fishers' fishing operation and economic well-being in Davao Gulf, Mindanao. A total of N = 66 commercial fishers, 33 ringnet and 33 bagnet fishers were interviewed one-on-one in their homes and in the landing sites using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was further validated using four focus groups in the study areas (N = 55). The findings of the study showed that the average catch per fishing trip for ringnet and bagnet fishers were 1,719 kg and 417 kg. The common catch species of ringnets were bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus), bullet tuna (Auxis rochei), roundscad (Decapterus macrosoma), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). While the common catch species of bagnet fishers were roundscad (Decapterus macrosoma), Bali sardinella (Sardinella lemuru), moonfish (Mene maculata), short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma), anchovy (Engrulidae), and bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus). Both types of fishers operated at the height of the pandemic but met difficulties selling the fish due to travel restrictions. Thus, they had lesser income. Other impacts include disruption in their children's education, feeling fearful and frustrated. In addition, during the closed fishing season, the bagnet fishers find alternative livelihoods such as hired labor and construction. In contrast, ringnet fishers fish beyond the Davao Gulf and continue to do so until the closed fishing season ends.