Abstract
<jats:p>This study aims to determine the identity, availability, diversity, marketability, coastal sources, merchandise, and commercial value of different edible mollusks sold in the local public markets in the province of Capiz. Information on the various edible mollusks sold in Capiz's local public markets was gathered through interviews with vendors who participated as respondents. The survey, conducted from June to August 2024, involved thirty-nine (39) vendors from different local markets. During the interviews, vendors were shown pictures of the mollusks to ensure clarity and consistency in identifying the species, which may have different local names across locations. The most frequently sold edible mollusks in Capiz's local markets are Perna viridis (Asian green mussel) and Magallana bilineata (Philippine cupped oyster), available in all markets, with a majority of vendors selling them. On the other hand, less commonly sold species include Tegillarca granosa (blood cockle), Anodontia edentula (toothless clam), Bractechlamys vexillum (distant scallop), and Dolomena turturella (dog conch), which are sold in fewer local markets and by fewer vendors. Out of the nineteen species in the study, Perna viridis (tahong) was identified as the fastest-selling edible mollusk, while Telescopium telescopium (bagongon) was the slowest-selling. Magallana bilineata (talaba) ranked second among fast-selling mollusks and third among slow-selling ones. Marcia hiantina (punaw), Antigona lacerata (tuway), Telescopium telescopium (bagongon), and Modiolus philippinarum (abahong) were observed to be both fast-selling and slow-selling in various local markets within the province. The speed of sale appears to correlate with market demand, with high-demand species being sold quickly and those with lower demand moving more slowly. This may also be true for other coastal commodities in the province. This study reveals production and other relevant data on the merchandise, commercialization, distribution, and source availability of edible mollusks in the province.</jats:p>