Fish unloading in ports down by 24% in February

MANILA, Philippines — Fish unloaded in the country’s regional fish ports (RFPs) fell in February with some ports affected by unfavorable weather conditions.

Based on the latest data from the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), the RFPs delivered 32,694.01 metric tons (MT) of fish to consumers last month.

This is 24 percent lower than the 43,568.27 MT unloaded last year, and 13 percent lower than last month’s 37,900.16 MT.

The PFDA cited effects brought about by a low pressure area (LPA) and northeast monsoon (amihan).

Data showed the General Santos Fish Port Complex delivered the highest volume at 16,554.21 MT, an increase of 9.47 percent.

On the other hand, the Navotas Fish Port Complex unloaded 11,580.40 MT, which was down 36 percent. It, however, had the second-highest volume of fish delivered last month.

The Bulan Fish Port Complex unloaded 493.15 MT of fish, equivalent to a 1,221.76 percent surge over last month’s volume.

Despite rains, the Iloilo Fish Port Complex and Lucena Fish Port Complex also maintained an upward trend with volumes increasing by 16.78 percent to 1,466.29 MT and by 6.22 percent to 1,792.89, respectively.

Despite an ongoing fishing ban in the waters of the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Zamboanga Fish Port Complex netted 597.87 MT of fish, which increased by 7.01 percent month-on-month.

“As the fishing season for sardines reopens in March, fish unloading is expected to increase for the Zambo port,” the PFDA said.

Meanwhile, the Sual Fish Port returned to sea and delivered 56.35 MT of fish.

The Davao Fish Port Complex experienced a drop in fish unloading but managed to distribute 152.85 MT of fish to its clients and stakeholders.

PFDA earlier said it expected fish unloading volume to significantly increase once fish transshipment operations are back at the Davao port.