The aquaculture industry in the Philippines' Northern Mindanao continues to grow, registering a five per cent growth in the third quarter of 2012.
Aquaculture production, which accounts for 53 per cent of the total fishery production of the region, grew from 21,191 metric tonnes in last year's third quarter to 22,184 metric tonnes in the same quarter this year.
Brackish water was the major contributor to the industry posting 11,353 metric tonnes or 51 per cent, followed by seaweeds with 45 per cent or 10,024 metric tonnes.
However, freshwater fishpond, which contributed only 290 metric tonnes, posted the largest increase of 17 per cent due to the dispersal of tilapia fingerlings in Lanao del Norte by the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
More natural entries of carp, catfish and mudfish in Misamis Occidental also contributed to the good performance of the sector, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region.
In contrast, commercial and municipal fishing in the region continue to decline during the quarter, pulling the total regional fishery production by two per cent to only 42,188 metric tonnes.
Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete, Chief Economic Development Specialist of NEDA-10 said commercial catch decreased due to lesser fishing trips due to the southwest monsoon and Habagat season, which is characterised by hot humid weather, heavy rainfall and westerly winds.
He said some households in Lanao del Norte instead engaged in crop farming resulting to a continued reduction in municipal fishing.
The damage done to the fish habitat in Bukidnon as a result of the rehabilitation of the Pulangui dam also contributed to the decline, he added.
Source: PIA
Image Source: Jack Parkinson