Strong winds, waves brought lower fish catch in March

INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Regional fish ports reduced their shipments in March due to the prolonged northeast monsoon (amihan), according to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA).

In a report, the PFDA said these fish ports delivered 43,769.97 metric tons (MT) of fish to their clients last month, a 20.8-percent decline from 55,277.46 MT in the same month last year.

“The decrease in fish unloading volume data in PFDA Regional Fish Ports based on a year-on-year comparison can be attributed to weather conditions, such as extended northeast monsoon season,” the PFDA said in an email correspondence with the Inquirer.

During the northeast monsoon, characterized by rains dumped in the eastern side of the country by the cool and dry air coming from the northeast, fishers are forced to suspend their operations due to large waves and strong winds.

Despite the weather conditions, this is the highest reported fish unloading volume by the PFDA so far this year.

It was also 22.5-percent higher than the 35,725.32 MT recorded in February.

Among the regional fish ports, the General Santos Fish Port Complex unloaded the largest volume for the month at 19,251.758 MT, holding a 43.9-percent share.

However, it was 28.4-percent lower than the volume recorded a year prior.

The Navotas Fish Port Complex supplied 17,909.954 MT of fish, dropping by 15 percent. It accounted for 40.9 percent of the total.

Down by 6.8 percent

The Iloilo Fish Port Complex came next with 2,444.75 MT, down by 6.8 percent. The Bulan Fish Port Complex in Sorsogon incurred a 27.9 percent decrease to end at 1,747.4 MT.

Accounting for the remainder are the Lucena Fish Port Complex in Quezon (1,729.17 MT), the Zamboanga Fish Port Complex (420.42 MT) and the Davao Fish Port Complex (266.516 MT).

A government-owned and -controlled corporation attached to the Department of Agriculture, the PFDA is mandated to promote the development of the fishing industry through post-harvest facilities and essential services essential to improving the handling and distribution of fish and fishery products.

To date, the PFDA has nine regional fish ports and 137 municipal fish ports. INQ