Livelihoods-based approaches are increasingly used within conservation projects in
developing countries to help reduce the exploitation of species for food or income. The
objective of these livelihood interventions is often to provide a more attractive substitute for
that exploitation. However, the evidence for whether they do manage to achieve conservation
goals is scarce, and where present, mixed. In this thesis I examine the case study of seaweed
farming and fishing on Danajon Bank, central Philippines. I show that seaweed farming and
declining fish catches are associated with reductions in fisher numbers in some villages, but
not others. The form of income and risk profile associated with an alternative occupation such
as seaweed farming can be more important than its profitability in determining its potential to
substitute for fishing. The level of engagement in different occupations with different risk
profiles correlates with a range of socioeconomic variables, particularly the level of existing
experience in an occupation. Household livelihood portfolios vary between those self-defining
as primarily fishers or seaweed farmers, as well as with wealth. Finally, seaweed farming is
only associated with lower fishing income when it is perceived to be the most important
occupation in the livelihood portfolio. This case study demonstrates the challenges to
livelihoods-based approaches, indicating that while they may contribute to increased resilience
of households faced with declining fish catches, the conservation benefits are more elusive.
The results indicate that greater effort should be put into reducing the risks associated with
alternative occupations, and careful consideration should be given to the frequency and timing
of income obtained. They also indicate that, because of the potential for perverse incentives
and the offsetting effects of increasing human populations, livelihoods-based approaches
should be closely linked to direct forms of resource management, such as effort or spatial
restrictions, and human population management.