FISHERIES output fell 6% in the second quarter led by the marine municipal fisheries, inland municipal fisheries, and aquaculture segments, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
In its fisheries report, the PSA said production was 1.02 million metric tons (MMT) in the second quarter.
The commercial fishery segment reported a 21.9% year-on-year gain for the quarter to 286,602 MT.
Marine municipal fisheries, which accounted for 25.5% of overall output, declined 6.1% year on year to 259,465 MT.
Inland municipal fisheries production declined 21.9% to 30,100 MT. Its output was equivalent to 3% of overall fisheries production.
The PSA added that aquaculture production for the three months to June period fell 17.7% to 471,400 MT, accounting for 46.3% of total output.
Of the 20 major species, declines were posted by tiger prawns or sugpo (40.3%), grouper or lapu-lapu (34.8%), and seaweed (25.8%).
Production gains were reported for skipjack (141.2%), bigeye tuna (94.1%), and yellowfin tuna (43.2%).
The Department of Agriculture said it is looking to improve conservation and management of tuna species to maintain the population and long-term industry viability.
It made the statement at the 20th regular meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
“For the Philippines, the outcomes of this session are of particular significance. The tuna industry is a major catalyst of economic growth and food security in our nation,” Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther E. Bayate said.
“As such, we are deeply interested in ensuring fair and equitable access to tuna resources,” she added. — Adrian H. Halili
