Fish unloading volumes continue to increase

MANILA, Philippines — Fish supply for consumers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and several areas in Central and South Luzon continued to grow in March, largely due to the lifting of the closed fishing season in several major fishing grounds in the country.

Data from the Philippine Fisheries Authority (PFDA) show that around 18,647.47 metric tons (MT) of fish supply were unloaded at the Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) last month.

From March 24 to 31 alone, about 3,606.90 MT of fish were unloaded. Of the total, 1,205.04 MT were under aquaculture, 2,106.98 MT under marine and 474.88 MT were frozen.

“Despite the government’s extension of a strengthened community quarantine in NCR and nearby provinces, PFDA-NFPC continues to provide its clients and stakeholders with quality, sufficient, and affordable fish supply,” the PFDA said.

“Galunggong, bangus, tilapia, tulingan, and tamban maintained their position in the top five common species with the highest availability record for March,” PFDA said.

The PFDA reported that 46,436.77 MT of fish were unloaded at the NFPC in the first quarter.

“With the enhanced community quarantine still in place in NCR, PFDA-NFPC stands by its commitment to provide adequate and pocket-friendly fish supply available in the market,”the agency said.

The three-month closed fishing season for round scad in Northeastern Palawan was lifted on Feb. 1.

BFAR also lifted the 10th closed fishing season for sardines in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

PFDA-NFPC supplies around 80 percent of the fish demand in the National Capital Region.