Profitability of spiny lobster (Panulirus spp.) puerulus collection in Palawan, Philippines

Understanding profitability is crucial when engaging in any fishery business venture. The collection of spiny lobster puerulus has recently caught the interest of many fisherfolks in the province of Palawan, but information regarding its profitability is wanting. This study determined the profitability of puerulus collection based on the information given by two collectors, one from barangay (Bgy.) Rizal, Roxas and and another one from Bgy. San Juan, Aborlan. Information such as the cost of materials, operating expenses, and the monthly catch were gathered with a guide questionnaire. The return on investment (ROI) were based on sales under the prevailing and regulated buying prices. Both collectors invested nearly PHP 100,000 in fabricating 1,000 - 2,000 units of cement discs and for operating the traps for either six or seven months. Under the prevailing and regulated buying prices, only the collector in Roxas had positive total net profits (PHP 13,490 and PHP 182,640) and ROI (15% and 198%), respectively. Local ordinances are needed to assist and protect the puerulus collectors from income loss caused by variable buying prices from traders. The collectors may explore using cheap and equally effective puerulus traps to reduce investment costs.