Davao Oriental locals engaged in small and slightly medium investments in fishing, as means of livelihood and business. However, the national law declaring a 15-kilometer distance from shorelines as fishing zone became counter-productive, costly and inefficient for all sector groupings. Nonetheless, they sustained their activities to generate income. With the advancement of inland fish farming and mariculture park development, aquaculture industry could be accelerated to a very promising level.

Mati has laid down the infra and policy support mechanisms for the first mariculture park in the province. Recognized as one suitable area for mariculture park development, the project shall take off along with subsidies and program support facilities from the City and National government.