Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Regional Fish Ports (RFP) unloaded 38,780.63 metric tons (MT) of fish amid various closed fishing seasons in major fishing grounds and unfavorable weather conditions in January 2024.
Based on historical data, the PFDA noted a decline in fish production because of the temporary closure of major fishing grounds in the first and fourth quarters of the year. Nonetheless, all PFDA RFPs still managed to supply sufficient and affordable fishery products to all their clients and stakeholders.
Despite the lean season, the PFDA – Lucena Fish Port Complex (PFDA-LFPC) and the PFDA – Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (PFDA-ZFPC) showed consistent positive performance in January. The south-central Luzon port delivered 1,645.61 MT of fish (an 8.17% increase), while the western Mindanao port recorded 857.75 MT of fish (a 10.97% increase).
On the other hand, the PFDA – General Santos Fish Port Complex (PFDA-GSFPC) experienced a slight drop in its monthly fish unloading volume due to fewer vessel arrivals. Nevertheless, the GenSan port unloaded 22,706.98 MT of fish.
In addition, the lean fishing season has also affected the PFDA – Navotas Fish Port Complex (PFDA-NFPC) and its monthly volume. However, the biggest fish port located in Navotas, Metro Manila delivered a significant volume of 10,606.00 MT of fish to its consumers.
Furthermore, the PFDA – Iloilo Fish Port Complex (PFDA-IFPC) and the PFDA – Bulan Fish Port Complex (PFDA-BFPC) saw a slight decrease in the delivery of fish this January. Still, the ports delivered 1,607.20 MT and 1,080.95 MT of fish, respectively.
Subsequently, the PFDA – Davao Fish Port Complex (PFDA-DFPC) also experienced a drop in volume due to a series of unfavorable weather and calamities for the month. The Davao port unloaded 276.14 MT of fish.
The PFDA is expecting to significantly recover come February when the annual closed fishing season in the waters of Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Palawan, and the Visayan Sea simultaneously re-open.
(Mark Angelo N. Perez – Public Information Division)