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The country’s fisheries production declined in the third quarter due to lower output in most subsectors.

Based on latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, production reached 971,000 metric tons (MT), four percent lower than the 1.01 million MT in 2016.

Commercial fisheries saw a 14 percent decline in production to 233,400 MT as a result of limited fishing trips and numerous weather disturbances that prevailed in the country during the quarter.

Municipal fisheries also registered a minimal one percent decrease in production to 282,000 MT as strict implementation of fishery laws slowed down the growth of production particularly in Western Visayas.

Aquaculture production flat at 456,000 MT due to additional seaweed outputs and sufficient supply of fingerlings for stocking. This represents more than half of the total output.

In particular, the common round scad (galunggong) continued to post negative growth due to less fishing operations.

Milkfish production decreased one percent to 107,800 MT due to heavy siltation in marine cages area.

Tilapia production was also slightly lower at 52,470 MT due to temporary stoppage of operations of some aquafarms following the dismantling of fish pens by the Laguna Lake Development Authority, as well as the higher mortality rate caused by water pollution.

Decline was likewise noted in the production of Indian sardines, squid, anchovies, frigate tuna, big-eyed scad, Indian mackerel and mussels.