Monday, May 21, 2007 Fish volume unloaded in S. Mindanao up, Bfar says By Joy Romares-Sevilla
Production estimated at 4,315 metric tons that is 2,189 metric tons above of the volume in 2006
THE establishment of deep-sea fish shelters, locally known as payaos in the different provinces in Davao Region by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) Southern Mindanao, has contributed a lot in the increase in the volume of fish unloaded in the region during the first quarter of 2007.
In the commercial fisheries, production was estimated at 4,315 metric tons, this is 2,189 metric tons above of the volume in 2006. The estimated value of the first quarter output also increased from P138.4 million to P214.1 million this year or a favorable growth of 54.7 percent.
The increase was attributed generally to the Bfar's establishment of payaos that resulted to increase unloading in Davao City by 9.24 percent and in Davao del Sur.
Abundant catches were noted for acetes, anchovies, big-eyed tuna, frigate tuna, Indian mackerel, Indian sardines, mulle, roundscad, skipjack, and squid.
Meanwhile, Bfar Southern Mindanao has already launched nine units deep-sea fish shelters in Compostela Valley Province to further increase fish catch.
Bfar launched four payaos in Pantukan, and five in Mabini, Compostela Valley.
On the other hand, total municipal fish production has also increased from 6,089 metric tons to 10,425 metric tons or an increase of 71.2 percent compared to the same quarter last year.
The value of municipal fish production for the period also went up from P359.6 million to P434.2 million this year.
Fish catch from inland waters during the first quarter went up in Davao City by 721.1 percent, Davao Oriental by 26.6 percent, and in Davao del Sur by 24.1 percent.
The increase in volume of fish catch was attributed to the continued tilapia fingerling dispersal by the Bfar.
