The Ilocos Region posted a production of 932.85 metric tons from its commercial fisheries in fourth quarter 2022. The output down from 1,350.88 metric tons record from the same quarter 2021 or dropped by 30.95 percent.

All provinces in the Ilocos Region posted decreases in commercial fisheries production. La Union shrank by 74.38 percent from 516.09 metric tons in fourth quarter 2021 to 132.23 metric tons in same period of 2022. Ilocos Sur’s output also declined by 64.43 percent, whereas, Pangasinan declined at 0.97 percent.

According to species, 29.90 percent of Ilocos region’s commercial fisheries production was contributed by roundscad while 21.87 percent was shared by skipjack. Meanwhile, yellowfin tuna contributed 12.99 percent and other fish species shared 35.24 percent of the output.

Ilocos Sur’s commercial fish production in fourth quarter 2022 was composed of top identified fish species namely: yellowfin tuna, skipjack, and roundscad. Among the species, yellowfin tuna was the most caught species in commercial waters. It covered 39.37 of the province’s production. Skipjack closely followed with a share of 33.22 percent. Meanwhile, roundscad comprised 27.00 percent of the total output. Other fishes covered only 0.41 percent.

The top three species in terms of volume of production in La Union included threadfin bream, goatfish, and hairtail with 13.98, 13.78, and 6.62 percent share, respectively. Most of the other fish species caught in commercial fishing ground of La Union does not exceed 6.00 percent share. Cumulatively, other fish species marked 65.62 percent of the province's output.

Pangasinan top species reflects the region’s top fish species. The share of roundscad was 34.98 percent of the province’s commercial fisheries production in fourth quarter 2022. This was followed by skipjack and yellowfin tuna at 25.34 percent, and 14.68 percent, respectively. Other fish species contributed 25.00 percent of the province’s output.

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