During the last three decades a trawl fishery of some magnitude was developed in the Philippines. This development was most significant during the postliberation period when the demand for fresh fish was great and the fishing business as a whole was enjoying an unprecedented boom. During the same period improvements of the trawl gear and vessel equipment were made. Noteworthy among these improvements was the successful introduction and commercial adoption of the stern-set otter trawl from the Gulf and West Coasts of the United States.