SYSTEM (A Livelihood Management Strategy for Coastal Families)

The potential of seafarming both seaweed and sea urchin in a 200 sq.m. coastal space was explored. Coined as 2 in 1plus mariculture farming system, it encourages family households to work together in a system of production and processing aimed at optimizing coastal family productivity. The mariculture system was developed through the integration of several experimental/ demofarm results and local practices on the culture and processing of seaweed and sea urchin under La Union condition. Return on expenses of respective technologies was presented. Results show that the integrated mariculture farming system maximizes the use of limited culture area and boosts productivity of a family. It can serve as an alternative source of livelihood producing food commodities for local market with export potential. Direct benefit is a return on expenses of 87 and 67 % for fresh seaweed and sea urchin respectively, and about 14 to 65 % of any product development a family would undertake, as a value-added initiative. A family that works together within the system enhances social progression while promoting family entrepreneurship, or to community in general. Sustained collaboration and involvement of key players in coastal fisheries management is sought for successful family or community-based adoption of the 2 in 1plus mariculture farming system