La Union’s aquaculture fisheries production declines in 4^th quarter 2024

The aquaculture production in La Union was posted at 469.87 metric tons in 4^th quarter 2024. This translates to a decrease of 37.63 percent from the previous year’s same quarter level of 753.32 metric tons. (Figure 1)

By ecosystem, brackishwater pen recorded 173.67 metric tons volume of production that contributed 36.96 percent to the overall aquaculture production of the province in 4^th quarter 2024. It was followed by brackishwater fishpond with 160.49 metric tons (34.16 percent share) and marine cage with 92.85 metric tons (19.76 percent share). (Figure 2)

In 4^th quarter 2024, brackishwater pen production posted a 0.01 percent increase from its volume of production of 173.66 metric tons in the same period a year ago. Meanwhile, brackishwater fishpond and marine cage production decreased by 10.33 percent and 73.95 percent from their volume of production of 178.97 metric tons and 356.46 metric tons, respectively in the same quarter last year.

The dominant species in the aquaculture subsector of the province in 4^th quarter 2024 were Milkfish, Tilapia, and Oyster. Milkfish output shared 83.81 percent to the total aquaculture production during the period while Tilapia and Oyster shared 8.96 percent and 2.58 percent, respectively. (Figure 3)

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Milkfish production in 4^th quarter 2024 was registered at 393.79 metric tons. It was lower by 41.89 percent than the production in the same period a year ago of 677.65 metric tons. Likewise, Tilapia and Oyster production decreased by 6.94 percent and 13.94 percent, respectively from their volume of production of 45.25 metric tons and 14.06 metric tons in 4^th quarter 2023 to 42.11 metric tons and 12.10 metric tons in 4^th quarter 2024.

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, PhD
Chief Statistical Specialist

/MAQ/MFC