Moreover, 88% of the interviewed fishermen reported
decreasing catch rates over the past 20 years because of the
increase in commercial fishing vessels. Although sardine production
increased in 2009, it decreased by almost 36% in 2012
(Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), 2012). Another factor that
contributed to the high sensitivity of the sardine sector in the area
is the high dependency on sardine fisheries. Approximately 92% of
respondents have no other sources of income aside from fishing.