2017 PH fisheries output dips but aquaculture resurfaced

The PSA data showed reductions in commercial and municipal fisheries’ outputs of 6.89 percent and 1.05 percent, respectively, weighed down aggregate fisheries production in 2017. (PHOTO: Philippine Statistics Authority/Facebook)

MANILA— The rebounded in 2017 from its 6.27-percent drop in 2016, a complete opposite of the entire Philippine fisheries’ performance in the past year.

Philippine aquaculture production rose 1.68 percent from year-ago figures and accounted for more than half of the country’s total fisheries production, which, on the other hand, fell 1.04 percent in 2017.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed aquaculture’s output hit 2.24 million metric tons in 2017, as favorable weather conditions accelerated seaweed harvests in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces in the second semester.

“LGU interventions like distribution of seaweed planting materials and floaters also supported the growth,” PSA said, adding aquaculture had a share of 51.91 percent to total fisheries production.

The PSA data showed reductions in commercial and municipal fisheries’ outputs of 6.89 percent and 1.05 percent, respectively, weighed down aggregate fisheries production in 2017.

Of the major species, round scad and tiger prawn indicated production shortfalls of 11.89 and 6.29 percent, respectively.

But then, more milkfish, tilapia, seaweed, skipjack, and yellowfin tuna were produced during the period, the PSA said.

The volume of commercial fisheries production reached about 947 thousand metric tons, 6.89 percent lower than that in the previous year.

Less unloading of species was reported in Navotas Fish Port, brought about by frequent rainfall and numerous weather disturbances in the country from May to September, the PSA noted.

The bad weather also constrained fishing operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula, as there was an existing inventory of canned sardines in the third quarter.

Commercial fisheries comprised 21.97 percent of the total fisheries production, the PSA said.

Meanwhile, municipal fisheries production declined by 1.05 percent at 1.13 MT in 2017.

About 85.45 percent of the volume, the PSA said, came from unloadings in municipal fish landing centers, while 14.55 percent was contributed by inland fisheries subsector.

The PSA noted less catch in Western Visayas, as weather disturbances with strong winds and rough seas limited fishing trips in the fourth quarter of 2017.

“Encroachment of commercial fishing boats in municipal waters also affected the first quarter output,” the PSA said.

About 26.12 percent of total fisheries production was contributed by the municipal fisheries subsector.