Fisheries production declines in Q2

Fisheries production in the country slightly declined in the second quarter amid lower output in most subsectors.

Based on latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, production reached 1.1 million metric tons (MT), down 1.36 percent.

Commercial fisheries saw a 12 percent decline in production to 278,000 MT due to less unloading of species in ports brought about by the occurrence of frequent rain that hampered fishing operations in several marine waters.

Municipal fisheries also registered a minimal one percent decrease in production to 303,000 MT as reduced unloading activities and illegal fishing activities were observed.

Meanwhile, aquaculture production hit 520,000 MT, representing more than half of the total output. The figure is five percent higher than the year ago due to additional seaweed area harvested and sufficient supply of fingerlings for stocking.

In particular, the common round scad (galunggong) con- tinued to post negative growth, falling 19 percent due to the lesser emergence of school in commercial fishing grounds and dry-docking and the inoperation of some commercial fishing boats in several areas.

Decline was likewise noted in the production of tiger prawn, Indian sardines, squid, anchovies, lapu-lapu, frigate tuna, big-eyed scad, and yellowfin tuna.