Apart from typhoons, there are other challenges that Antiqueños face as a result of life being intertwined with the local environment. Illegal fishing practices, such as overfishing, fishing in no-catch zones or using destructive tools, like dynamite or chemical poisons in reefs, can be a quick way for some fisherfolk to make money, but they are damaging to marine environments over time. In many areas of the Philippines, large commercial fishing boats fish in areas reserved for small-scale fishing. These large-scale fishing operations often take more than is legally allowed or unintentionally catch or harm protected and endangered species.
Antique life and culture are inseparable from the environment, so locals have developed strategies to cope with challenges and conserve existing resources. To compensate for income lost to overfishing or typhoon periods, families make money through “alternative livelihood” opportunities. For example, alternative fishing-related activities include aquaculture (raising and harvesting fish and shellfish), capture fisheries including gleaning (collecting from the shore), fish processing (packaging), fish vending (selling) or salt making. Many women's groups in my community also generate income by selling handicrafts such as traditional woven cloths, coin purses and bags, hair clips and other household goods. If fisherfolk families supplement money made through fishing with options like these, it is less likely that they will participate in harmful and illegal fishing practices.
In addition to diversifying sources of household income, local adaptation often takes the form of policy change.
