PeterIMA":14tewc58 said:
Jaime,
I find myself in total agreement with you about the 10% pricing issue. It seems that the three exporters who are MAC Certified (Aquarium Habitat, HD Marineworld, and Aquascapes Philippines) have agreed to pay collectors 10% more for net-caught fish from MAC Certified collection sites (Batasan Island and Clarin in the municipality of Tubigon on the Island of Bohol). I believe that they also agreed to pay 50% of the transportation charges for shipping the fish to Manila.
I have been trying to obtain the pricing paid to collectors recommended by the Philippine Tropical Fish Exporters Association (PFTEA). I had the pricing from 1999 but Lolita Ty claims that the pricing paid to all collectors by PFTEA members has increased. However, she refused to provide the price list. Hence, I don't know exactly what the baseline is (exisiting PFTEA pricing) against which the price to MAC Certified collectors is now 10% more. In any event, Lino Alvarez (MAC-Philippines Coordin
ator) told me it only applies to 7 species coming from the MAC Certified collection sites (Batasan and Clarin).
I agree with you that the pricing paid to collectors in general is very low (e.g., a few pesos for a damelfish). So, the 10% increase probably does not pay for the extra time and effort the collectors must expend to collect with nets, and fill out all the paper work demanded by the MAC. Without actual pricing data, it is difficult to judge whether the pricing is fair or adequate. The fact that other collectors, trained to use nets by IMA or Haribon/OVI, and who participated in the creation of CAMPs with the MAC, now refuse to be part of the MAC certification program indicates to me that the MAC pricing still is not deemed sufficient by the collectors.
Roger Hernandez (Head of the Net-Collectors Association in Palauig NW Luzon) submitted a letter in December 2002 to the MAC complaining that one MAC-Certified exporter associated with the PFTEA had refused to pay more for net-caught fish. He also complained about being cheated by screeners in that exporter's facility. Fish collected to order were refused on delivery to several MAC Certified exporters and many of the fishes were rejected by the screeners who wanted bribes (kickbacks) from the collectors. Peter Scott of the MAC met last week with Roger Hernandez and the head of the collectors association from Bagac, Bataan. Scott told me on the telephone that the meeting went very well in resolving the complaints of the net-collectors. Ferdinand Cruz has informed me that it did not. So, I don't believe the issues were resolved to the satisfaction of the non-certified collectors who participated in the MAC Feasability Study in 2001 and the MAC CAMP program in 2002.
The collectors have formed a Net-Collectors Association. I am told that there are several non-PFTEA export companies now paying higher prices (better than that offered by MAC Certified exporters) to the collectors for marine aquarium fishes from Palauig, Busuanga, Coron, Bagac, and other sites in Mindanao, Leyte, and Bicol. These companies are starting to export 100% net-caught fish at competetive export prices. Further information on these matters will be posted soon on Mary Middlebrook's web site.
Sincerely,
Peter Rubec
Peter and all,
I have been making inquiries to the MAC Staff about your comments and "information". I will address your points in the order you gave them:
I find myself in total agreement with you about the 10% pricing issue. It seems that the three exporters who are MAC Certified (Aquarium Habitat, HD Marineworld, and Aquascapes Philippines) have agreed to pay collectors 10% more for net-caught fish from MAC Certified collection sites (Batasan Island and Clarin in the municipality of Tubigon on the Island of Bohol). I believe that they also agreed to pay 50% of the transportation charges for shipping the fish to Manila.
Peter, there are 4 MAC Certified Exporters, not three. In addition to the above there is
AquaEx in Cebu. All 4 have agreed to a common pricing structure for each collection area. This pricing will reflect seasonal conditions and will also be subject to reviews in November and June of each year. In addition, for each delivery:
1) A 10% Collectors Coordinator fee will be paid.
2) 25% of the freight costs will be paid.
3) The Exporters will buy back, or reimburse the cost of
new styrofoam boxes.
I have been trying to obtain the pricing paid to collectors recommended by the Philippine Tropical Fish Exporters Association (PFTEA). I had the pricing from 1999 but Lolita Ty claims that the pricing paid to all collectors by PFTEA members has increased. However, she refused to provide the price list. Hence, I don't know exactly what the baseline is (exisiting PFTEA pricing) against which the price to MAC Certified collectors is now 10% more. In any event, Lino Alvarez (MAC-Philippines Coordinator) told me it only applies to 7 species coming from the MAC Certified collection sites (Batasan and Clarin).
The pricing agreement covers all species as described in the CAMPs of Batasan and Clarin. The correct information is that the MAC Certified Collectors tabled a pricelist at the meeting in February 2003. Both parties (Exporters and Collectors) were already happy with the pricing on all the species
EXCEPT for seven. During the meeting an agreement was reached on those seven.
Aquascapes now pays MAC Certified Collectors according to this agreed pricing structure. Concerning providing you with price lists...Peter, some companies or trade associations may not wish to divulge their price lists to you.
I agree with you that the pricing paid to collectors in general is very low (e.g., a few pesos for a damelfish). So, the 10% increase probably does not pay for the extra time and effort the collectors must expend to collect with nets, and fill out all the paper work demanded by the MAC. Without actual pricing data, it is difficult to judge whether the pricing is fair or adequate. The fact that other collectors, trained to use nets by IMA or Haribon/OVI, and who participated in the creation of CAMPs with the MAC, now refuse to be part of the MAC certification program indicates to me that the MAC pricing still is not deemed sufficient by the collectors.
I'm told the MAC Certified Collectors are very satisfied with the existing arrangements of a seasonally-adjusted price structure, partial payment of freight costs, payment of a Coordinators fee and the "buy-back" of styrofoam boxes. The fee structure is such that it even makes it worth their while to only send 3 or 4 boxes at a time should they wish. This adds to the sustainability of the resource. There are no other collectors who have achieved Certification (i.e. established CAMPs that have been Certified) who "refuse" to participate in the Certification. There are collectors and collector areas that have not yet finalized their ability to comply with the standards, because of this they are not yet Certified.
Roger Hernandez (Head of the Net-Collectors Association in Palauig NW Luzon) submitted a letter in December 2002 to the MAC complaining that one MAC-Certified exporter associated with the PFTEA had refused to pay more for net-caught fish. He also complained about being cheated by screeners in that exporter's facility. Fish collected to order were refused on delivery to several MAC Certified exporters and many of the fishes were rejected by the screeners who wanted bribes (kickbacks) from the collectors.
There is no agreed pricing structure for un-Certified collectors (Palauig at this time). MAC Staff personally witnesses the delivery from every MAC Certified Collection Area in Manila and Cebu at this time to monitor the effectiveness of packing, adherence to CAMP species volumes and screening practices etc. When Palauig finishes with the small number of issues they need to address in order to be Certified, they will also be able to participate in an agreed price structure.
I'm told that MAC has offered to undertake this for Roger Hernandez as well, should he wish.
Peter Scott of the MAC met last week with Roger Hernandez and the head of the collectors association from Bagac, Bataan. Scott told me on the telephone that the meeting went very well in resolving the complaints of the net-collectors. Ferdinand Cruz has informed me that it did not.
MAC has been organizing to meet with Roger for some time, as well as with Mateo. Ferdinand Cruz was present because they are very close friends. Roger said that he has known Ferdinand for 17 years. Ferdinand also acts as their business advisor.
The outcome of the meeting was a success as far as MAC was concerned because they agreed upon a way to move forward; and will be producing an action plan to address the issues raised. Pedro Aguillon (BFAR) and Isabelle Cruz from MAC were also present, and can confirm the progress made.
Roger informed them that he had not been made aware of the February meeting of Collectors and Exporters, and that a price structure had been agreed upon for Batasan and Clarin.
Peter Scott told Roger that he could also agree to his own price structure for Palauig with the MAC Certified Exporters.
So, I don't believe the issues were resolved to the satisfaction of the non-certified collectors who participated in the MAC Feasability Study in 2001 and the MAC CAMP program in 2002.
MAC is only dealing with the collectors that have expressed a desire to become Certified. The meeting a few weeks ago only covered those in Bagac and Palauig.
I'm told the other areas where MAC is working are also happy with how things are progressing. MAC is always happy to talk directly with any group of Collectors to answer any concerns that they may have.
The collectors have formed a Net-Collectors Association. I am told that there are several non-PFTEA export companies now paying higher prices (better than that offered by MAC Certified exporters) to the collectors for marine aquarium fishes from Palauig, Busuanga, Coron, Bagac, and other sites in Mindanao, Leyte, and Bicol. These companies are starting to export 100% net-caught fish at competetive export prices. Further information on these matters will be posted soon on Mary Middlebrook's web site.
Peter, this will result in importers in the USA accepting collection in illegal areas, with no ordering system. It sounds like an invitation to over-harvesting (since there is no CAMP and no control of access or MPAs) and there is no initial or ongoing resource assessment that is scientifically based.
Additionally, all MAC Certified Collectors and Exporters have agreed to unannounced
Cyanide Detection Test (CDT) checks by MAC. That will not be the case for this Net-Collectors Association you speak of.
So, I hope this information clears up what appears to be some confusions and deficiencies with what you have learned. Chasing down these facts has certainly taught me a lot about what is going on in the Philippines.
John Brandt
MASNA
MAC
CMAS-Chicago
