Fisheries output slightly down in third quarter of 2018

MANILA, Philippines — Fisheries production in the country has slightly declined in the third quarter after major sub-sectors decreased in output.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the sector contracted 0.04 percent in output in the July to September period with production volume at 972,910 metric tons (MT).

Commercial fisheries saw a 1.6 percent decrease in production to 232,809 MT due to lesser unloading of fish species in ports and for canneries.

Municipal fisheries also registered a 2.7 percent decline in production to 273,239 MT due to less fishing efforts brought about by weather disturbances during the period.

Meanwhile, aquaculture production hit 466,861 MT, up 2.4 percent, amid better government interventions on the distribution of fingerlings and other planting materials.

However, production of milkfish registered an eight percent decline to 99,262 MT during the period due to smaller sizes harvested because of low water temperature, fishkill in some area, and the shift to fingerling operations due to high cost of feeding materials.

The common round scad (galunggong) continued to post negative growth, falling seven percent to 43,834 MT as a result of lesser fishing trips and unloadings in some areas and high cost of fuel as part of the government’s tax reform program.

Tiger prawn production also went down by six percent as some brackish water fishponds overflowed that resulted in loss of stocks, as well as the sudden change in the weather.

Decline were likewise noted in the production of squid, frigate tuna, indian mackerel, yellowfin tuna, oysters, big-eyed scad and mussels.

On the other hand, PSA noted higher production level of tilapia at 14 percent to 59,748 MT, attributed to newly-opened fishponds, good quality of fingerlings and feeds and high demand from local markets.

Production of seaweeds likewise inched up by five percent to 292,620 MT amid more culture activities and area expansion following higher buying price.