Livelihoods are diverse and are made up of multiple activities to achieve a desired outcome. They are also determined by what assets are available at the household level in terms of ownership and access. Depending on household assets people undertake a diverse array of activities to earn their living. Choices are conditioned by the extent of and access to the asset base. Therefore certain activities are common everywhere and to everyone and others are typical of specific environments such as the coast and to certain social groups. (PEMSEA 2003).

It is a common perception that fishing is a major source of income for coastal dwellers. The Philippines being an archipelago is characterized by numerous coastal areas which unfortunately are inhabited by one of the country's poorest sector, the fishers' sector. Stories of poverty-stricken families who have to live on what the sea can offer are often told and retold to picture a depressing situation for this sector. 

Shall we forever condition our minds to believe that fishing can be the only source of living in a coastal community? Or are there other means of livelihood that a coastal area can offer? This document will help us understand the complexity of coastal livelihoods and will also give us idea on the alternative livelihoods within the coastal areas.

1. A tool not only to document and measure the socio-economic benefits and costs of different livelihood from coastal resource but also to set limits and policies that are really adaptable in protecting our coastal resources.  

2. A  guide for policy makers who wish to set targets for sustainable policies and in guiding management efforts that are geared towards keeping the socio-economic and environment conditions of coastal areas – the real essence of sustainability.

3. An accounting framework to be used in related research and extension activities. Specifically, planners and implementers will be provided with a planning methodology that enables them to assess the resiliency and vulnerability of the coastal community.