La Union’s aquaculture fisheries production declines in 4^th Quarter 2022

The aquaculture production in La Union was posted at 639.21 metric tons in 4^th   quarter 2022. This translates to a decrease of 26.83 percent from 4^th quarter 2021 level of 873.56 metric tons.

By ecosystem, brackishwater fishpond recorded  277.84 metric tons volume of production that contributed 43.47 percent share to the overall aquaculture production of the province in 4^th quarter 2022. It was followed by marine cage with 230.87 metric tons (36.12 percent share) and brackishwater pen with 66.38 metric tons (10.38 percent share).

In 4^th quarter 2022, brackishwater fishpond production posted a 8,193.73 percent increase from 3.35  metric tons in the same period a year ago. Likewise, brackishwater pen production increased from 0.06 metric tons output last year. On the other hand, marine cage production decreased by 42.69 percent from 402.83 metric tons.

The dominant species in aquaculture subsector of the province in 4^th quarter 2022 were Milkfish,Tilapia and Oyster. Milkfish output shared 83.42 percent to the total aquaculture production during the period while Tilapia and Oyster shared 5.59 percent and 4.34 percent, respectively. (Figure 3)

Milkfish production in 4^th quarter 2022 was registered at 533.24 metric tons. It was higher by 33.80 percent than the production in the same period a year ago of 398.53 metric tons. Likewise, Oyster production increased by 128.13 percent from a production of 12.16 metric tons in 4^th quarter 2021 to 27.74 metric tons in 4^th quarter 2022. On the contrary, Tilapia production decreased by 91.94 percent from a production of 443.26 metric tons in 4^th quarter 2021 to 35.73 metrics tons in 4^th quarter 2022.

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