Exploitation and possible depletion of kapis in the Philippines

Gallardo W.G., . and Siar S.V., . (1997) Exploitation and possible depletion of kapis in the Philippines. [Proceedings Paper]

The kapis or window-pane oyster Placuna placenta L. has high economic importance in the Philippines. Its translucent shell is used in the manufacture of lampshades and other shellcraft items exported to Europe U.S.A. and Japan. Due to its high demand excessive and uncontrolled gathering of P. placenta was noted over the past years. It is possible depletion has been a concern thus a nation-wide survey was undertaken on the status of about 30 productive P. placenta beds in 24 provinces in the country. Kapis shells are gathered by 1. handpicking in shallow areas 2. using compressed air in deeper areas and 3. dredging. The use of dredge is destructive because it disturbs the sea bottom causes siltation and crushes or buries the remaining shellfish and demersal fish eggs. The use of compressed air in diving enables the fishermen divers to exploit the resource heavily or excessively. Factors such as uncontrolled gathering and pollution were believed to be the primary causes of depletion or declining population of P. placenta. To prevent the possible depletion of this resource in the future establishment of a sanctuary especially for breeders and appropriate regulations in gathering are recommended.

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Abstract

The kapis or window-pane oyster Placuna placenta L. has high economic importance in the Philippines. Its translucent shell is used in the manufacture of lampshades and other shellcraft items exported to Europe U.S.A. and Japan. Due to its high demand excessive and uncontrolled gathering of P. placenta was noted over the past years. It is possible depletion has been a concern thus a nation-wide survey was undertaken on the status of about 30 productive P. placenta beds in 24 provinces in the country. Kapis shells are gathered by 1. handpicking in shallow areas 2. using compressed air in deeper areas and 3. dredging. The use of dredge is destructive because it disturbs the sea bottom causes siltation and crushes or buries the remaining shellfish and demersal fish eggs. The use of compressed air in diving enables the fishermen divers to exploit the resource heavily or excessively. Factors such as uncontrolled gathering and pollution were believed to be the primary causes of depletion or declining population of P. placenta. To prevent the possible depletion of this resource in the future establishment of a sanctuary especially for breeders and appropriate regulations in gathering are recommended.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Summary only En
AGROVOC Term:	OYSTERS
AGROVOC Term:	SHELL
AGROVOC Term:	POPULATION GROWTH
AGROVOC Term:	POLLUTION
AGROVOC Term:	DEMAND
AGROVOC Term:	PHILIPPINES
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:27
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/16206

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