Effects of the lunar cycle in the catch composition and total catch of stationary lift nets in the coastal waters of Miagao, Iloilo, the Philippines

Abstract

The catch composition of commercially important species of the stationary lift net at Barangay Gines, Miagao, Iloilo, the Philippines was investigated from December 2013 to May 2014 during the different phases of the moon. A total of 486 kg of fish coming from 12 different genera, including mollusk and crustaceans, was caught and identified from the catch of the stationary lift net. Among the 12 genera identified from the catch of stationary lift net, anchovy (Stolephorus), sardines (Sardinella), squid (Loligo) and mysid shrimp (Acetes) were considered to be commercially important due to their value. Acetes catch was highest during the new moon in the month of January. Loligo catch was also high during the new moon except in the month of May. Stolephorus catch was also highest during the new moon except in the month of January. Sardinella catch was highest during the first quarter in the month of February. Full moon had the lowest catch all throughout the duration of the study while new moon had the highest catch during December 2013 to March 2014 and first quarter was the highest in the months of April and May.