Fishing Culture in Coron & Busuanga: Life Beyond Tourism
Wake up early enough in Coron and you'll see another side of the destination.
Before the island-hopping boats fill with tourists, fishermen are already returning from the sea.
Fishing isn't simply something people do here.
For generations, it has helped shape the communities of Coron, Busuanga and the wider Calamian Islands.
Before Tourism, There Was Fishing
Long before Coron became internationally famous for lagoons and WWII wreck diving, fishing was one of its principal industries.
It remains important today.
In 2023, Coron had more than 5,500 registered fishers.
Across neighboring Busuanga Municipality, fishing is recorded as a major livelihood in all 14 barangays.
So when you eat seafood in Coron, you're connecting with an economy that existed long before tourism.
What Do Local Fishermen Catch?
The answer is surprisingly diverse.
Traditional fishing methods include hook and line, nets, fish corrals, squid jigs, crab pots and other small-scale gear.
Depending on location and season, catches can include tuna, squid, grouper, snapper, rabbitfish, crabs, shrimp, lobster and many other reef and pelagic species.
Busuanga's current tourism guide even recommends local specialties such as danggit lamayo, blue crab, lato sea grapes, rock lobster, slipper lobster and grilled surahan.
From Boat to Market
The fishing economy extends beyond the fisherman.
Historically, catches have moved from fishermen to local buyers and dealers before reaching markets, restaurants or destinations such as Manila.
Some fish are eaten locally.
Others travel surprisingly far.
The Calamianes also became particularly important for the live reef food fish trade, especially grouper, supplying markets beyond Palawan and internationally.
Fishing Has Changed
The story isn't entirely romantic.
Fishing pressure, destructive practices in previous decades and growing demand have affected marine resources.
Protected areas, fishing regulations and conservation programs have consequently become increasingly important.
Tourism has changed livelihoods too.
Some families who once depended almost entirely on fishing now work with boats, resorts, diving and island tours.
In other words, the same sea supports both industries.
Look Beyond the Restaurant Plate
Visit the public market early.
Travel through fishing communities such as Concepcion, Panlaitan or Buluang.
Watch small bancas returning in the morning.
And when ordering seafood, ask what's local and what's in season rather than automatically demanding a particular species.
Coron and Busuanga aren't simply destinations surrounded by water.
They are communities whose history, food and livelihoods have always been connected to the sea.
Understanding the fishermen helps you understand the islands.
Discover more about the people and culture behind Coron and Busuanga with ilovecoron.com.
Because I Love Coron.
