of particular biological processes, altering marine and freshwater food webs, with unpredictable consequences for fish production. Aquatic biodiversity starts to dwindle due to the drastic changes in the ecological system they inhabit, caused primarily by environmental changes. These environmental changes affect unfavorably the rate of reproduction and induce a significant stress response among different fish populations, this response can be attributed to the decline of many fish populations (Pankhurst, 2011). Fishes can no longer tolerate changes in the environmental conditions that cause them to migrate to different region which has more suitable characteristics for them to sustain living (FAO, 2009). Fishes are also becoming predisposed to infectious diseases that cause fish deaths due to the suppression of the immune function caused by these environmental changes. Many Filipinos that are greatly dependent on aquatic resources are seriously affected by the impacts that come along with climate change, especially to those living in the coastal regions (Green Peace, 2013). The combined effects of continued temperature increase, change in rainfall and accelerated sea level rise, and tropical cyclone occurrences including associated surges would expose coastal communities to higher levels of threat to life and property (PAGASA, 2011) making them at risk in terms of safety and livelihood. The livelihood of these communities will be threatened in terms of further stress to their fishing opportunities, loss of productive agricultural lands and saltwater intrusion, among others. The rapid depletion of fish stocks and fish catches may also contribute to danger of food security, fish as food will continue to be increasingly out of reach for those who need it the most (Green, White, Flores, Carreon III, & Sia, 2013). 1.3. VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR FISHERIES In the Philippines, millions of people depend highly on coastal fisheries for food and livelihood. Thus, the risk from the impacts of climate change to fishery sector is very high for many Filipinos. It is projected by PAGASA that adverse impacts on coastal and freshwater areas and resources could be expected to multiply in a future warmer world. Impact and vulnerability assessment for these coastal areas should be in high priority. These assessments would help decision makers, policy makers and stakeholders to identify the best option to address the different impacts of climate change to the fishery and to prepare and develop a long-term sustainable adaptation plans. Since it is inevitable that the adverse impacts of climate change are about to escalate, long-term pro-active planning for these impacts is imperative in order to be able to respond effectively. Impact and Vulnerability assessment being used as a basis for strategic and long-term planning for adaptation could enhance the adaptive capacity of the community and would indicate areas where critical vulnerabilities are needs to be prioritized. 1.4. FISHERIES VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT TOOL (FISH VOOL) Philippine seas and waters are facing alarming situation in terms of fish stocks and other aquatic resources. Actions shall be promulgated to alleviate the present condition to maintain the livelihood of many Filipinos depending on aquatic resources and to maintain 2|Fish Vool