EVOLUTION OF FISH

Fish began evolving about 530 million years ago during the Cambrian explosion. It was during this time
that the early chordates developed the skull and the vertebral column, leading to the first craniates and
vertebrates. The first fish lineages belong to the Agnatha, or jawless fish. Early examples include
Haikouichthys. During the late Cambrian, eel-like jawless fish called the conodonts, and small mostly
armoured fish known as ostracoderms, first appeared. Most jawless fish are now extinct; but the extant
lampreys may approximate ancient pre-jawed fish. Lampreys belong to the Cyclostomata, which
includes the extant hagfish, and this group may have split early on from other agnathans.

The Devonian period (419–359 Mya), also known as the Age of Fishes, saw the development of early
sharks, armoured placoderms and various lobe-finned fish, including the tetrapod transitional species

The earliest jawed vertebrates probably developed during the late Ordovician period. They are first
represented in the fossil record from the Silurian by two groups of fish: the armoured fish known as
placoderms, which evolved from the ostracoderms; and the Acanthodii (or spiny sharks). The jawed fish
that are still extant in modern days also appeared during the late Silurian: the Chondrichthyes (or
cartilaginous fish) and the Osteichthyes (or bony fish). The bony fish evolved into two separate groups:
the Actinopterygii (or ray-finned fish) and Sarcopterygii (which includes the lobe-finned fish).

During the Devonian period a great increase in fish variety occurred, especially among the ostracoderms
and placoderms, and also among the lobe-finned fish and early sharks. This has led to the Devonian
being known as the age of fishes. It was from the lobe-finned fish that the tetrapods evolved, the four-
limbed vertebrates, represented today by amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. Transitional
tetrapods first appeared during the early Devonian, and by the late Devonian the first tetrapods
appeared. The diversity of jawed vertebrates may indicate the evolutionary advantage of a jawed
mouth; but it is unclear if the advantage of a hinged jaw is greater biting force, improved respiration, or
a combination of factors.

Fish, like many other organisms, have been greatly affected by extinction events throughout natural
history. The earliest ones, the Ordovician–Silurian extinction events, led to the loss of many species. The
Late Devonian extinction led to the extinction of the ostracoderms and placoderms by the end of the
Devonian, as well as other fish. The spiny sharks became extinct at the Permian–Triassic extinction
event; the conodonts became extinct at the Triassic–Jurassic extinction event. The Cretaceous–
Paleogene extinction event, and the present day Holocene extinction, have also affected fish variety and
fish stocks
Fish culture facilities in the country

Aquaculture in the Philippines has a long history and involves many species and farming practices in
diverse ecosystems. Most of the production comes from the farming of seaweed, milkfish, tilapia,
shrimp, carp, oyster and mussel. Aquaculture contributes significantly to the country's food security,
employment and foreign exchange earnings.

Traditional Fishponds

These are the most common type, often found in coastal areas and inland regions. They are typically
shallow, earthen ponds that are stocked with fish and managed for various species like tilapia, milkfish,
and carp.

Intensive Fishponds

These ponds are more technologically advanced, using aeration systems, water quality control, and feed
management to achieve higher production densities.

Cage Culture

This method involves raising fish in cages suspended in lakes, rivers, or coastal areas. It allows for
greater control over the environment and reduces the impact on natural ecosystems.

Commercial Hatcheries

These facilities specialize in producing large quantities of fish fry (baby fish) for stocking ponds and
cages. They use controlled breeding and rearing techniques to ensure high survival rates

Research Hatcheries

Government and academic institutions often maintain hatcheries for research purposes, focusing on
developing new breeding techniques, improving fish genetics, and studying fish diseases.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)

The primary government agency responsible for managing and developing the Philippine fisheries
sector. BFAR provides technical assistance, conducts research, and implements policies to promote
sustainable aquaculture practices.

Aquaculture Research Institutes

The BFAR under the Department of Agriculture (DA) is the national government agency responsible for
the development, conservation, management, protection and utilization of fisheries resources according
to the Philippines Fisheries Code of 1998. The BFAR currently operates regional offices throughout the
country.

The Local Government Code of 1991 and Fisheries Code transferred government supervision and
licensing of all types of aquaculture to the Local Government Units (LGUs). The only licensing function
left with the BFAR as far as aquaculture is concerned is the granting of Fishpond Lease Agreements for
public land.

As part of the government's fisherfolk empowerment programme, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Management Councils (FARMCs) have been created at national level and coastal municipalities.
FARMCs advise the national government and LGUs on fisheries policy and planning.

The government has been increasingly engaging non-government organizations and people's
organizations (POs) on fisheries co-management. Many of the NGOs in fisheries belong to the NGOs for
Fisheries Reform (NFR). Many POs belong to Kilusang Mangingisda (KM) and Pambansang Alyansa and
mga Mangingisda at Pamunuan ng Organisasyon (PAMPANO).

The participation of the business sector in the development and management of the aquaculture
industry has not yet been institutionalised or strengthened. There are several organizations involved in
aquaculture, but the more active ones are the Fisheries and Aquaculture Board of the Philippines
(FABP), Philippine Aquaculture Society/Society of Aquaculture Engineers of the Philippines
(PAS/SAEP), Association of Philippine Aquaculture Feed Millers, Inc. (APAFMI), PHILSHRIMP, PHILFRY
and Philippine Tilapia Inc. (PTI).

Referrence :

( FAO. 2025. Philippines. Text by Paclibare, J.O.. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture. [Cited Thursday, February
27th 2025 )

https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/countrysector/

Fishing gear used in the Philippines is classified into lines, nets, hand instruments, traps, and barriers.
The type of gear used depends on the type of fish being caught, the location, and the method of
operation.

Classification

Lines: Includes hook and lines, troll lines, squid jigs, and more

Nets: Includes gill nets, cast nets, seine nets, and more
Hand instruments: Includes spears, hooks, tongs, and more

Traps: Includes crab lift nets and fish pots

Barriers: Includes barriers and traps

Construction

Fry seine: A small hand net made of woven abaca cloth or "sinamay"

Bamboo poles: Classified by diameter at the base

Operation

Sagap: A fry seine operated by two people holding opposite sides and dragging the net slowly

Gill nets: Catch fish by wedging, gilling, or tangling in meshes

Other fishing methods

stupefying methods, wounding gear, falling gear, scooping nets, drive-in gear, dragged gear, and
surrounding nets.