Declining fishery output in a region that relies heavily in the fishery industry?
Eastern Visayas’ total fishery production dropped by 8.9 percent in the first quarter of 2025, with output reaching only 21,787 metric tons (MT), compared to 23,905 MT in the same period last year.
The decline was largely due to lower production from municipal and aquaculture fisheries, according to the recent data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Municipal fishing, which accounts for the largest share of the region’s fishery sector, declined significantly by 14.7 percent. From 16,483 MT in the first quarter of 2024, production fell to 14,057 MT in 2025.
Despite this, it still contributed 64.5 percent of the total fishery output in the region, underscoring its vital role in local food supply and livelihoods.
Aquaculture production also experienced a slight downturn. It dropped by 0.9 percent—from 2,146 MT in the first quarter of 2024 to 2,126 MT in 2025.
Aquaculture made up 9.8 percent of the region’s total fishery production. Environmental challenges, such as changes in water temperature and quality, may have contributed to the decline.
On the other hand, commercial fishing showed positive growth. Production increased by 6.2 percent, from 5,276 MT in early 2024 to 5,604 MT in the same period this year.
This sector accounted for 25.7 percent of Eastern Visayas’ total fishery output and helped partially offset the overall decline in the industry.
Despite gains in commercial fishing, Eastern Visayas ranked as the fourth lowest among all Philippine regions in terms of total fishery production for the first quarter of 2025. The significant drop in municipal catch, in particular, raises concerns about the sustainability of coastal fisheries and the economic impact on small-scale fisherfolk.
Experts and local officials emphasize the need for targeted interventions to support the sector.
These include promoting responsible fishing practices, providing technical support to local communities, and investing in infrastructure and climate-resilient technologies to ensure long-term growth and food security in the region.
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