With the recent lifting of closed fishing season in various major fishing grounds, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Regional Fish Ports (RFP) has recorded 43,568.27 metric tons (MT) of fish and fishery products in February 2022.

According to the PFDA Modified Integrated Corporate Reporting System (MICRS), this month’s unloading volume is equivalent to a 13.42 percent increase compared to January unloading volume of 38,411.45 MT. The significant increase can be related to the recent lifting of the closed fishing season for various fish species imposed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Northern Palawan on February 1, the Visayan Sea on February 15, and the Zamboanga Peninsula on March 1. 

Based on the report, the biggest chunk of the monthly unloading volume came from the PFDA – General Santos Fish Port Complex (PFDA-GSFPC). Data showed that the port has delivered 19,949.27 MT of fish, equal to an 18.17% increase.

In addition, two RFPs in Mindanao also showed a substantial increase in their monthly unloading record. PFDA – Davao Fish Port Complex (PFDA-DFPC) and PFDA – Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) unloaded 3,267.22 MT (61.81% increase) and 844.69 MT (84.99% increase), respectively.

Moreover, PFDA – Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC) also showed a growth in numbers after registering 1,598.31 MT (11.90% increase).

Furthermore, the PFDA – Bulan Fish Port Complex (PFDA-BFPC) recorded the highest turnout in terms of percentage rise with 1,546.72 MT (179.27% increase).

On the other hand, despite a slight dip on their monthly unloading record, the PFDA - Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC) was able to deliver 14,388.14 MT of fish to its clients and stakeholders. 

(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division)