Fisheries sector grew 1.8% in Q3 —PSA

The fisheries sector improved by 1.8% in terms of production during the third quarter of 2019, according to a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report released on Tuesday.

The report noted that the sector produced an estimated 990,140 metric tons (MT) in July to September this year, up 1.8% from 972,710 MT produced in the same period last year.

“The bureau ... will continue to improve its implementation of programs and projects as well as come up with effective solutions to sustain this increase in production and improve the lives of our fisherfolk heroes,” said Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources National Director Eduardo Gongona.

It was a continuing trend from the first two quarters of 2019, during which output expanded by 1.90% in the second quarter and 0.97% in the first quarter, the PSA noted.

The aquaculture subsector contributed the most to the third quarter growth, accounting for nearly 50% of the entire fisheries output.

Bangus and seaweeds were the best improved in terms of output after, increasing by 13.1% and 4.8%, respectively.

Higher bangus production was that result of a leap in stocking rate in the aquaculture areas of CALABARZON and the high market demand for frozen and marinated milkfish, the PSA noted.

Seaweeds production improved with the expansion in planting areas, the availability of operating capital and labor, and the higher yield with the application of fertilizers.

Skipjack tuna or gulyasan production grew by 11.46% in the third quarter on the heels of more unloading of canneries in Region 12 and the high volume of catch recorded by the municipal fisherfolk of Zamboanga Peninsula.

Tilapia and tiger prawn production dropped 6% and 6.9%, respectively, due to cases of sulfur upwelling in Region 4A, and less supply and low quality of P. vannamei fry that led to low survivability, the PSA reported. —Julia Mari Ornedo/VDS, GMA News