Fisheries production trims decline in Q4

MANILA, Philippines — Fisheries production in the country has narrowed its decline in the fourth quarter of 2017 after major sub-sectors managed to bounce back in output.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the sector posted a 1.18 percent contraction in output, an improvement from the four percent decline in the third quarter of last year.

Milkfish production continued to expand and registered a 6.19 percent growth during the period due to abundant supply of natural food for milkfish and delayed harvests from the third quarter to the fourth quarter when fish reached the full marketable size.

The newly established fish ponds in brackish water and favorable water salinity suitable to the growth of the species were noted in Central Luzon.

The PSA also noted higher production level of tilapia at 4.41 percent, attributed to proper monitoring of the quality of water, proper usage of floating feeds, high survival rate of fingerlings due to normal water level and sufficient oxygen level in water in the freshwater cages.

“The usage of fingerlings of good quality and increased seeding rate in freshwater fish ponds resulted in the increase in tilapia production in Central Luzon. More harvests of tilapia were observed in Bicol Region as a result of semi-intensive feeding practices in freshwater fish ponds and cages,” the agency said.

Furthermore, yellow fin tuna posted a 22.32 percent increase in production due to more unloadings of frozen tuna for cold storages and canneries of private landing centers.

Additional unloadings from other provinces due to higher buying prices offered by buyers in Soccsksargen were also noted.

Production of seaweeds, likewise, inched up by one percent amid increase in area planted in ARMM as a result of good weather condition.

Meanwhile, tiger prawn production dropped by five percent as the unrehabilitated brackish water fish ponds that were damaged during the series of typhoons last year resulted in lesser areas utilized and the high mortality of stocks pulled down the production in Zamboanga Peninsula.

In some areas in Mindanao, stocks were affected by white spot disease caused by water pollution and the shift of some producers to white shrimp production which had higher profitability.

The common round scad (galunggong) continued to post negative growth, falling 11 percent as a result of the restriction of fishing activities within the 15-kilometer radius in some waters.

Production of other species contracted by five percent which include indian sardines, frigate tuna, and Indian mackerel, among others.