The aquaculture industry in Northern Mindanao continues to grow, registering a five percent 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 tons in last year’s third quarter to 22,184 metric tons in the same quarter this year.
Brackish water was the major contributor to the industry posting 11,353 metric tons or 51 per cent, followed by seaweeds with 45 per cent or 10,024 metric tons.
However, freshwater fishpond, which contributed only 290 metric tons, posted the largest increase at 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 tons.
Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete, Chief Economic Development Specialist of NEDA-10 said commercial catch decreased due to lesser fishing trips due to southwest monsoon and habagat.
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.
