M.R. Jacinto et al. / Fisheries Research 161 (2015) 174–181 key informants were interviewed using questions focusing on climate events they observed within the municipality in the past years and the subsequent effects and adaptation measures developed. Key informants included representatives of occupational groups (e.g., fisher folks and households) with at least 20 years of fishing experience. 3. Results and discussion 3.1. Fish Vool and VA-TURF The framework for the development of Fish Vool is consistent with that used for VA-TURF, which defines vulnerability as the combined effects of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity (Fig. 2). Although both Fish Vool and VA-TURF produce vulnerability maps, VA-TURF targets the coastal integrity and reef ecosystem of an area, whereas Fish Vool focuses on the commercial fisheries sectors. Vulnerability maps aid the local and national government in identifying areas and commodities that are vulnerable to climate change and need prioritization for adaptation options. The definitions of the major vulnerability components were adopted from Licuanan et al. (2012). Exposure is a measure of the intensity or severity of the physical environment conditions that affect the present state of the biophysical system. Sensitivity is illustrated by the present state of the system based on the specific properties that respond to the exposure factors arising from climate changes. Adaptive capacity refers to resiliency or the ability of the system to cope with the impacts associated with the changes in climate. The components are further divided into three sub-components, namely, fish, human, and community (Fig. 2). In VA-TURF, the components are subdivided into fisheries, reef ecosystem, and socio-economics. Each sub-component has corresponding variables or criteria relevant for evaluating the major components (i.e., exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity). The criteria for each sub-component are outlined and discussed below. Low potential impact (exposure and sensitivity) values indicate low vulnerability, whereas low adaptive capacity values indicate high vulnerability to climate change (e.g., Allison et al., 2009; Johnson and Welch, 2009; Mamauag et al., 2013). Thus, a good biophysical system has low potential impact and high adaptive capacity values. 3.1.1. Exposure variables for all sub-components 3.1.1.1. Fishing ground. This criterion examines the frequency and severity of exposure of fishing grounds to extreme weather disturbances. VA-TURF uses wave exposure as the exposure variable, which is derived using the Wave Exposure Model software by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). By contrast, Fish Vool uses qualitative data from perception surveys of fishers who have been fishing for at least 20 years. Weather perturbations, such as typhoons and storms, and increased sea surface temperatures in the fishing grounds act as physical stressors to fishes, which may result in disturbance and migration (IPCC, 2007; Santos et al., 2011). Thus, catch rate may decrease during frequent occurrences of these events. 3.1.1.2. Household or community site assessment. This criterion measures the degree of exposure of a fisher’s household or community to weather disturbances (i.e., tropical storms, extreme rainfall, storm surges, sea level rise, etc.). Frequent occurrences of these climate events affect the safety and efficiency of fishing operations because fishers are unlikely to fish during storms, indicating high exposure (Santos et al., 2011). Furthermore, extreme events increase damage and disruptions to coastal and riparian homes, services, and infrastructure (Williams and Rota, 2009; Santos et al., 177 2011). Records of landslides or flashfloods in the community were collected from local leaders (city or province). 3.1.2. Sensitivity variables for all sub-components 3.1.2.1. Length at first maturity. The age or size at onset of maturation, and growth rate are important stock parameters for the assessment and prediction of exploited fish species. Rapidly growing individuals attain maturity at lower ages and thus have shorter average lengths (Godo and Haug, 1999). This variable is validated through the National Stock Assessment Program, which provides the only time-series fisheries data in the Philippines that includes information on maximum sustainable yield and total allowable catch. This information is used to determine closed seasons, fish sanctuaries, endangered species, and fishing vessel regulation. 3.1.2.2. Catch comparison. Trends or changes in catch rate over the years may show the effects of fishing. In this variable, catch rate refers to the difference between the total catch by weight (kg) of the present catch of fishers and that from at least 20 years ago. Data were collected from fishers’ historical accounts from interviews. Decreasing catch rate coupled with increasing number of small, immature fishes in the catch indicates high sensitivity of the fish stocks. Given that large-sized species are intensively targeted and thus reduced in number before smaller ones (Pauly et al., 1998; Mamauag et al., 2013), the rates and process of potential recovery of the fish stocks in the community structure can be determined on the basis of change in catch composition (Jennings, 2001). 3.1.2.3. Socio-economics. Information on socio-economic conditions is essential because people’s capacities (i.e., income, number of family members, household age structure, health conditions, etc.) determine their ability to cope with extreme weather events (Blaikie et al., 1994; Pelling, 2003; Reganit, 2005). Given that fishers are considered the poorest of the poor sectors in the Philippines (Castro, 2009) and thus the most vulnerable sector to climate change (Williams and Rota, 2009), knowledge on the socio-economics of fisheries with regard to climate change and its impacts, adaptation, and mitigation is a pivotal tool for guiding policy makers and program implementers on how to fully prepare the country for climate change. 3.1.2.4. Dependence on resource. This criterion provides information on the importance of fisheries to their household and the well-being of the community. Fishers with sources of income other than fishing are less sensitive to the effects of climate change. High sensitivity attributes to higher number of fishers who depend on the resource (Mamauag et al., 2013). 3.1.3. Adaptive capacity variables for all sub-components 3.1.3.1. Gear modification. Fishing gear modification or replacement is a measure of the fishers’ adaptive capacity for a more effective fishing effort. A fisher with resources (budget), knowledge, and successfully modified fishing gear will achieve higher catch rates, save fuel and time in fishing activities, and possess higher adaptive capacity. 3.1.3.2. Adaptive strategies. Adaptive strategies refer to the precautionary measures undertaken by the fishers before, during, and after extreme weather events. More and significant adaptive measures indicate high adaptive capacity. 3.1.3.3. Level of awareness. Level of awareness refers to the extent of knowledge of fishers on climate change and its impacts to their livelihood. The high awareness of fishers to climate change can be translated into capacity building, planning, and piloting activities.