The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – La Union Provincial Statistical Office conducts the 4^th Quarter 2023 Fisheries Surveys in the province that include the Quarterly Aquaculture Survey (QAqS) and Quarterly Inland Municipal Survey (QIFS) on 13 to 24 November 2023.

The said surveys aim to generate data on volume and value of production on fisheries and aquaculture by aqua farm type. The statistics that will be generated through these surveys will serve as input in the compilation of national accounts, estimation of performance of agriculture, researches and studies, policy making, and program implementation.  These will also serve as guide in the development of appropriate policy measures and support programs to help fisher folks in their fishing activities and livelihood. 

PSA-La Union hired and trained 15 Statistical Researchers (SRs) who will visit 509 aqua farm operators and 98 inland fishing households to generate fisheries outputs in coordination with the Local Government Units (LGUs).

Meanwhile, the key results of the 3^rd Quarter 2023 Fisheries Surveys in La Union are the following:

• La Union ranked third among the provinces of Ilocos Region in terms of fisheries volume of production in 3^rd quarter 2023.  It contributed 4.00 percent to the total volume of fish production in the region.

• The total volume of fisheries production in 3^rd quarter 2023 was estimated at 1,340.12 metric tons which was 26.71 percent lower than 1,828.57 metric tons estimate in 3^rd quarter of 2022.

• Among the fisheries subsectors, aquaculture posted the largest contribution (48.89%) to the fisheries output in the province in 3^rd quarter 2023. Aquaculture production was estimated at 655.18 metric tons in 3^rd quarter 2023 lower by 12.91 percent than its output of 752.31 metric tons in 3^rd quarter 2022.

• Municipal fisheries ranked second with 569.82 metric tons contributing 42.52 percent to the total fisheries production of the province. The 3^rd quarter 2023 production showed a decrease of 31.61 percent from the 833.20 metric tons production in 3^rd quarter 2022.

• Commercial fisheries had the smallest (8.59%) contribution to the fisheries volume of production in the province at 115.12 metric tons. It showed a decrease of 52.64 percent from the 243.07 metric tons in 3^rd quarter 2022.

• The total value of all fisheries production in La Union in 3^rd quarter 2022 was recorded at PhP208,621.72 which was 20.39 percent lower than its value in the same quarter of last year at PhP262,043.78.

The PSA enjoins the support of the LGUs and cooperation of sample fishermen in providing truthful, complete and accurate information to the SRs. All the data and information collected by SRs from sample fishermen are for statistical purposes only and shall not be used for purposes of taxation or investigation. Information obtained from the respondents shall be accorded strictly confidential as provided under Republic Act (RA) 10625. 

SGD. DANITES E. TEÑIDO, PhD
Chief Statistical Specialist

MAQ/MFC