Analysis of the Significant Difference in Fishing Gear Used According to Income Levels of Fisherfolks

Fishing serves as one of the vital livelihood for communities in Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya, providing both income and food security. This study examined the significant difference in fishing gear used according to income levels of fisherfolks. Specifically, it described the demographic profile of respondents, identified the types of fishing gear they employ, quantified their income, and determined whether significant differences exist in fishing gear used according to the income level. A descriptive research design was employed, and 82 actively engaged fisherfolks were purposively sampled. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and the Kruskal–Wallis test to determine significant differences. Results showed that most respondents were older than 41 years and had long-term fishing experience exceeding 16 years, though participation in training and seminars was limited. Gill nets (“sigay”) and fyke nets (“banwar”) were the most commonly used gears, while higher-income fisherfolks tended to use multiple and more diversified gear types, such as seine nets (“karudkod”) and cast nets (“tabukol”). Income analysis revealed that 72% of respondents earned between ₱10,000 and ₱50,000. The study found a significant difference in fishing gear used when grouped according to income levels, indicating that gear diversity and selection influence income potential. These findings highlight the need for interventions that improve access to diverse fishing gear and provide training to enhance productivity and livelihood outcomes among fisherfolks in Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya.