The Ilocos Region was able to produce 38,306 metric tons, in its aquaculture subsector in the second quarter of 2024. However, the production decreased by 3.2 percent compared to the 39,570 metric tons output in the same period in 2023.

Majority of the region's aquaculture production came from Pangasinan, with 34,933 metric tons or 91.2 percent of the region’s overall production. La Union followed with 3,022 metric tons, equivalent to 7.9 percent of the total production. Meanwhile, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte contributed 0.5 percent and 0.4 percent, respectively.

All the provinces of the region, except Pangasinan, posted lower production. Ilocos Sur production of 193 metric tons was lower by 54.6 percent from its output in second quarter 2023 of 426 metric tons. La Union’s output decreased by 34.2 percent from 4,596 metric tons production in second quarter 2023. The production of Ilocos Norte of 157 metric tons was also lower by 2.6 percent. On the other hand, Pangasinan posted higher production in second quarter 2024 of 1.6 percent compared to its output in the same period of 2023.
 

By ecosystem, the production in marine cage increased by 12.3 percent in second quarter 2024. The production went up to 17,984 metric tons from 16,012 metric tons in second quarter 2023. Meanwhile, the production in brackish water fishpond and freshwater fishpond decreased by 16.5 percent and 14.4 percent, respectively. On the other hand, brackish water pen and brackish water cage have increased by 100.2 percent and 28.8 percent, respectively.
 

Milkfish was noted as the top species cultured in the Ilocos Region in second quarter 2024 having a growth rate of 3.8 percent. During the quarter, milkfish production was at 26,789 metric tons, higher than the production of 25,799 metric tons in second quarter 2023. This was followed by P. vannamei (786 metric tons), tiger prawn (148 metric tons), tilapia (9,703 metric tons), and white shrimp (873 metric tons).

SGD. ATTY. SHEILA O. DE GUZMAN
Regional Director, RSSO 01