THE fisheries sector’s output by volume declined 3.89% in the third quarter, led by the commercial and municipal fisheries, due to unfavorable weather in the southern Philippines.

In a special report released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) dated  Nov. 17, the fisheries sector harvested 971,000 metric tons (MT), with the output of commercial fisheries down 14.27%, due to reduced catch for round scad, milkfish and tilapia.

“It was brought about by the limited fishing trips (to service) Zamboanga Peninsula canneries and numerous weather disturbances that prevailed in the country during the quarter,” the report read.

Municipal fishery output declined 0.68%, amid the strict implementation of fishery laws in Western Visayas, PSA said.

However, aquaculture output rose 0.32% to 456,000 MT.

According to PSA, favorable weather helped boost seaweed production by 18.53% in Tawi-Tawi. — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

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