UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC INFLUENCE

OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN COASTAL

COMMUNITIES

PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL

Volume: 37
Issue 9
Pages: 978-982
Document ID: 2025PEMJ3622
DOI: 10.70838/pemj.370906
Manuscript Accepted: 05-05-2025
 Psych Educ, 2025, 37(9): 978-982, Document ID:2025PEMJ3622, doi:10.70838/pemj.370906, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

Understanding the Socio-Economic Influence of Marine Protected Areas in Coastal Communities

Mercedette V. Dumagan,* Floresito D. Calub
For affiliations and correspondence, see the last page.
Abstract
This quantitative study examined the socio-economic impact of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Cortes, Surigao
del Sur, Philippines. The research aimed to assess how MPAs influence income, education, occupation, and marine
resource availability. Using a descriptive-correlational design, structured surveys were conducted among 516
respondents, including fishermen, MPA managers, government officials, and community members, selected through
stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive
statistics and multiple regression analysis. Results indicated moderate positive impacts of the MPA on income
generation, educational awareness, employment diversification, and marine resource conservation. Significant
relationships were found between demographic characteristics such as age, gender, educational attainment, income,
occupation, and the perceived socio-economic benefits of the MPA. The study concludes that MPAs can enhance both
ecological and socio-economic outcomes when supported by inclusive community programs and alternative livelihood
initiatives.
Keywords: marine protected area, socio-economic impact, conservation, income, education, employment, marine
resources

Introduction
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) serve as essential instruments for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable
marine resource management. They are designed to safeguard marine habitats, ensuring the long-term sustainability of fisheries and
protecting marine biodiversity from human-induced threats such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. Beyond ecological
benefits, MPAs play a crucial role in supporting the socio-economic well-being of coastal communities that rely on marine resources
for their livelihood. This study investigates the perceived socio-economic impact of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Cortes,
Surigao del Sur, Philippines, on local communities, focusing on its effects on income, education, occupation, and marine resource
availability.
Several studies highlight the dual benefits of MPAs in promoting both environmental conservation and economic stability. Agardy et
al. (2011) emphasize that MPAs enhance fish stocks by providing safe breeding grounds, which leads to increased fish populations in
adjacent fishing areas, thereby benefiting local fishers. Similarly, Sala and Giakoumi (2018) argue that well-managed MPAs contribute
to economic growth through sustainable tourism, improved fisheries, and alternative livelihood opportunities. Furthermore, Christie et
al. (2009) found that MPAs positively impact local communities by fostering environmental education and awareness, which
strengthens conservation efforts. These studies affirm that MPAs can serve as a viable mechanism for achieving ecological
sustainability while improving the economic conditions of dependent communities.
Despite these promising findings, there remain significant gaps in understanding how MPAs specifically influence socio-economic
conditions in the local context of the Philippines. Many studies focus on the biological and ecological effectiveness of MPAs but
provide limited empirical data on their direct impact on the livelihood and economic stability of fishing communities. Additionally,
existing literature often overlooks the perspectives of key stakeholders, such as MPA managers, local government officials, and the
general community. The socio-economic implications of MPAs in developing countries, particularly in small coastal municipalities
like Cortes, remain underexplored, necessitating further research to bridge this knowledge gap.
This study is significant as it provides empirical insights into the socio-economic contributions of MPAs at the community level,
particularly in Cortes, Surigao del Sur. By examining the relationships between demographic factors and the perceived socio-economic
benefits of the MPA, this research can inform policymakers, local government units, and conservation organizations in designing more
effective marine conservation programs. The findings will also contribute to the broader discourse on balancing marine conservation
with economic resilience, ensuring that MPAs are not only ecologically successful but also socially and economically beneficial to
local communities.
Research Objectives
The General Objective of the undertaking is to examine the socio-economic influence of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Cortes,
Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Specific objectives:
1. To describe the demographic profile of respondents.
2. To assess the perceived socio-economic impact of the MPA on income, education, occupation, and marine resources.
3. To analyze the relationship between demographic characteristics and perceived socio-economic benefits of the MPA.

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 Psych Educ, 2025, 37(9): 978-982, Document ID:2025PEMJ3622, doi:10.70838/pemj.370906, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

Methodology
Research Design
The study employed a descriptive-correlational design to describe perceptions and analyze relationships between variables.
Respondents
Participants included fishermen, MPA managers, government officials, and community members, totaling 516 respondents. Stratified
random sampling was used to ensure representation.
Table 1. Population and Sample Size of Respondents
Respondent Category Total Population Sample Size
Fishermen 212 139
MPA Managers 10 10
Government Officials 116 116
Community Members 13,881 389
Total 14,219 516

The fishermen were included as they are among the most directly affected stakeholders, relying on marine resources for their livelihood.
MPA managers were surveyed to provide insights into the operational and regulatory aspects of the protected area. Government
officials, particularly those involved in coastal and environmental management, were included to assess policy perspectives. Finally,
community members were surveyed to capture broader socio-economic perceptions, as they experience both direct and indirect effects
of the MPA.
The sample sizes were determined based on proportional allocation, ensuring fair representation while maintaining the reliability and
generalizability of the findings. This methodological approach provided a robust foundation for evaluating the impact of the MPA on
different segments of the local population.
Instrument
A structured survey questionnaire was utilized. Internal consistency reliability was ensured with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.85.
Procedure
Data were gathered through field-administered surveys, informed consent was secured, and confidentiality was maintained.
Data Analysis
Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were performed using IBM SPSS. A structured questionnaire was used to collect
demographic data and perceptions regarding the MPA's impact. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression
analysis to determine relationships between variables.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical approval was secured. Respondents provided informed consent and confidentiality was strictly upheld.

Results and Discussion

Demographic Profile of Respondents
Understanding the demographic characteristics of the respondents is essential in analyzing their perceptions of the MPA's socio-
economic impact. Table 2 presents the distribution of respondents by age, sex, educational attainment, civil status, years of residency,
income, and occupation.
Table 2. Demographic Profile of Respondents
Profile Frequency Percentage (%)
Age
20-30 years old 24 4.7%
31-40 years old 113 21.9%
41-50 years old 127 24.6%
51-60 years old 117 22.7%
61 and above 135 26.2%
Sex
Male 346 67.1%
Female 170 32.9%
Educational Attainment

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Research Article

Elementary Level 139 26.9%

High School Level 326 63.2%
Vocational Course 7 1.4%
College Level 44 8.5%
Civil Status
Single 26 5.0%
Married 479 92.8%
Widow 7 1.4%
Live-in 4 0.8%
Years of Residency
4-5 years 2 0.4%
10 years and above 514 99.6%
Income per Month (PHP)
5,000 and below 96 18.6%
5,001 - 10,000 388 75.2%
10,001 - 15,000 21 4.1%
15,001 - 20,000 9 1.7%
20,001 and above 2 0.4%
Occupation
Laborers 22 4.3%
Self-employed 183 35.5%
Government Employees 2 0.4%
Fishermen 121 23.4%
Unemployed 188 36.4%

The results indicate that the majority of respondents (73.5%) were aged 41 and above, suggesting that most participants had significant
life and work experience in the community, particularly in marine-related activities. The gender distribution was predominantly male
(67.1%), which aligns with previous studies suggesting that coastal livelihoods, particularly fishing, are male-dominated activities
(Cinner et al., 2012).
Most respondents had only reached high school level education (63.2%), limiting their access to alternative employment opportunities
outside of fishing. Similarly, the majority were married (92.8%) and long-term residents (99.6% had lived in the area for more than 10
years), indicating deep-rooted community ties.
The income distribution shows that 93.8% of respondents earn PHP 10,000 or below per month, placing them within the low-income
bracket. This highlights the community’s economic vulnerability, reinforcing the importance of sustainable livelihood opportunities
provided by the MPA.
Perceived Socio-Economic Impact of the MPA
The study assessed respondents’ perceptions of the MPA’s impact on income, education, occupation, and marine resources. The results,
summarized in Table 3, indicate that respondents generally agreed that the MPA has brought socio-economic benefits to the community.
Table 3. Perceived Socio-Economic Impact of the MPA
Variable Mean Verbal Description
Income 3.18 Agree
Education 3.14 Agree
Occupation 3.03 Agree
Marine Resources 3.07 Agree
Legend: 3.26 – 4 – Strongly Agree; 2.51 – 3.25 – Agree; 1.76-2.5 – Disagree;
1.0-1.75 – Strongly Disagree

The findings suggest that the MPA has contributed positively to local income opportunities (Mean = 3.18). Respondents agreed that
marine conservation efforts have helped diversify income sources, create ecotourism opportunities, and enhance fish stocks, ultimately
benefiting the fishing industry (White et al., 2014). However, this effect was moderate, indicating that additional economic
interventions may be needed.
In terms of education (Mean = 3.14), the MPA was perceived to have improved awareness of marine conservation and sustainable
fishing practices. This aligns with studies showing that community-based conservation programs enhance environmental education and
engagement (Lindholm et al., 2016).
Respondents also agreed that the MPA has positively impacted occupation opportunities (Mean = 3.03) by fostering alternative
livelihoods, such as tourism-related jobs and sustainable fishing practices. However, the lower mean score compared to income and
education suggests that employment diversification remains a challenge.
The perceived impact on marine resources (Mean = 3.07) indicates that the MPA has contributed to improved fish stocks and
biodiversity conservation, which is consistent with prior research on MPAs enhancing marine ecosystem health (Roberts et al., 2001).
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 Psych Educ, 2025, 37(9): 978-982, Document ID:2025PEMJ3622, doi:10.70838/pemj.370906, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

Relationship Between Demographic Characteristics and Perceived Socio-Economic Impact

A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine whether demographic variables significantly influenced respondents’
perceptions of the MPA’s impact. The results are presented in Table 4.
Table 4. Relationship Between Demographics and Perceived Socio-Economic
Impact
Variable β P-value Decision
Age → Education -0.094 0.033 Significant
Gender → Income 0.174 0.000 Significant
Educational Attainment → All Variables 0.136 - 0.290 <0.05 Significant
Income per Month → All Variables 0.247 - 0.318 <0.05 Significant
Occupation → All Variables -0.341 - -0.452 <0.05 Significant

The results reveal several key relationships between demographic factors and the perceived socio-economic impact of the Marine
Protected Area (MPA). First, age and education exhibited a negative correlation (-0.094, p = 0.033), indicating that older respondents
were less likely to perceive strong educational benefits from the MPA. This finding suggests a potential gap in conservation awareness
among older generations, highlighting the need for inclusive and community-based education programs to ensure that all age groups
recognize the significance of marine conservation. Second, gender showed a significant relationship with income (0.174, p = 0.000),
with male respondents perceiving greater economic benefits. This trend may be attributed to the dominant role of men in fishing and
marine-related industries, where direct economic gains from improved fish stocks and conservation measures are more tangible.
Educational attainment was positively associated with all impact variables, suggesting that individuals with higher levels of education
were more likely to perceive the benefits of the MPA in terms of income, education, occupation, and marine resources. This supports
the notion that awareness and knowledge play a crucial role in the acceptance and effectiveness of MPAs (Gjertsen, 2005). Furthermore,
income per month was also positively correlated with all impact variables, indicating that households with higher income levels reported
greater socio-economic benefits. This suggests that financial stability enhances the capacity of individuals to engage with and capitalize
on MPA-related opportunities, such as alternative livelihood programs and ecotourism initiatives.
In contrast, occupation exhibited a negative relationship with all impact variables (-0.341 to -0.452, p < 0.05), particularly among those
engaged in traditional livelihoods such as fishing. This suggests that individuals who rely heavily on fishing as their primary source of
income may perceive fewer benefits from the MPA, possibly due to fishing restrictions or changing resource access. This underscores
the need for the development of alternative livelihood opportunities to ensure that affected stakeholders can still derive economic
benefits from marine conservation efforts.
The findings imply several critical considerations for policy and program development. While the MPA has demonstrated moderate
but positive socio-economic impacts, there is a need for complementary livelihood programs to ensure that benefits are equitably
distributed across different demographic groups. Education and awareness campaigns should specifically target older and low-income
populations to enhance engagement and promote a broader understanding of conservation initiatives. Additionally, sustainable
alternative livelihood projects, such as ecotourism and aquaculture, should be encouraged to diversify income sources and provide
viable employment opportunities for those negatively impacted by MPA regulations. By addressing these socio-economic dimensions,
MPAs can be more effectively integrated into local development.

Conclusions
The study found that the Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Cortes, Surigao del Sur, has had a positive socio-economic impact on the
local community, particularly in the areas of income generation, education, employment opportunities, and marine resource
conservation. The findings highlight that MPAs can serve as effective conservation and economic tools when community engagement,
sustainable livelihood initiatives, and policy enforcement are integrated into their management. While respondents generally agreed on
the benefits provided by the MPA, the study also revealed areas that require further improvement, particularly in enhancing economic
opportunities for displaced fishermen and strengthening conservation awareness among various stakeholder groups.
Based on these findings, the following recommendations are proposed to maximize the benefits of the MPA and address existing gaps.
First, community education programs on marine conservation should be strengthened to improve awareness and encourage greater
participation in sustainable fishing practices. Second, alternative livelihood programs should be developed to support fishermen who
may be economically displaced by fishing restrictions within the MPA. These initiatives could include ecotourism, aquaculture, and
handicraft industries that leverage local resources while promoting conservation efforts. Third, there is a need to enhance financial
support for sustainable marine-related enterprises, such as small-scale fisheries and community-based tourism projects, to provide long-
term economic stability. Lastly, stricter monitoring and evaluation of MPA policies should be implemented to ensure compliance with
conservation regulations and assess the effectiveness of management strategies in achieving both ecological and socio-economic goals.
By addressing these recommendations, the MPA in Cortes can continue to serve as a model for balancing marine conservation and

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Research Article

sustainable development, ultimately improving the livelihoods of local stakeholders while preserving marine biodiversity.

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Affiliations and Corresponding Information

Mercedette V. Dumagan
North Eastern Mindanao State University – Philippines
Floresito D. Calub
North Eastern Mindanao State University – Philippines

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