La Union’s aquaculture fisheries production declines in 3rd Quarter 2021

The aquaculture production in La Union was posted at 911.55 metric tons in 3rd  quarter 2021. This translates to a decrease of 29.73 percent from the previous year’s same quarter level of 1,297.23 metric tons. (Figure 1)

By ecosystem, marine cage recorded 429.97 metric tons volume of production that contributed to 47.17 percent of the overall aquaculture production of the province in 3rd quarter 2021. It was followed by brackishwater fishpond with 330.40 metric tons (36.25 percent share) and oyster with 150.87 metric tons (16.55 percent share). (Figure 2)

In 3rd quarter 2021, marine cage production posted a 38.54 percent decrease from 699.64 metric tons in the same period a year ago.  Oyster production also decreased by 1.89 percent from 153.77 metric tons.  On the other hand, brackishwater fishpond production increased by 33.69 percent from 247.13 metric tons.

The dominant species in aquaculture subsector of the province during the 3rd quarter 2021 were Milkfish and Oyster. Milkfish output shared 83.09 percent to the total aquaculture production during the period while oyster shared 16.55 percent. (Figure 3)

Milkfish production in 3rd quarter 2021 was registered at 757.42 metric tons. It was lower by 33.52 percent than the production in the same period a year ago of 1,139.40 metric tons. Likewise, oyster production decreased by 1.89 percent from a production of 153.77 metric tons in 3rd quarter 2020 to 150.87 metric tons in 3rd quarter 2021.

TECHNICAL NOTES

Aquaculture is a fishery operation involving all forms of raising and culturing of fish and other fishery species in fresh, brackish and marine water areas. The operation is comprised of activities from stocking to harvesting of species under controlled conditions in farming facility called aquafarm.

Aquaculture Production refers to the volume harvested from the aquafarm. It includes those species harvested in marketable/matured size and in fresh form.

Landing Center is a place where the fish catch and other aquatic products are unloaded and traded. Traditional landing center is a type of landing center where fishermen could unload their catch and/or dock their fishing boats without any obligation or payment for the use of the place.

Quarterly Aquaculture Survey is a quarterly survey that generates estimates of volume and value of production per aquafarm type and species for the subsector.

SGD. DANITES E. TEÑIDO, Ph.D.
Chief Statistical Specialist

MAQ/MFC