THE region's fish production decreased by 11.6 percent following a drop in commercial fishing, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda)-Northern Mindanao.
The Neda-Northern Mindanao report said the decline noted for the first quarter of this year is partly due to some operators opting to unload their catch in Zamboanga, while some fishing boats in Camiguin were dry docked for repair and maintenance.
Fewer fishing trips were also experienced in Misamis Oriental and Camiguin provinces in the first two months of this year due to weather disturbances.
Aside from commercial fishing decrease, municipal fishing also went down by 5.85 percent, from 10.599 metric tons of catch last year to only 9,979 metric tons of fish catch in the same period this year.
According to Neda, the decrease can be attributed to the weather disturbances and lesser catch in Bukidnon due to strong water current in the Napocor reservoir.
Quarrying activities in some rivers, which destroyed inland fish habitat also contributed to the municipal fishing's performance.
Seaweeds, which mostly contributed to the total production of the aquaculture, declined by almost 29 percent as harvested area also decreased.
The seaweed growing areas were "badly affected" by siltation due to landslide in areas that are growing seeds, particularly in Lanao del Norte.
The Neda said some farmers were also discouraged to continue their rearing operation due to low sales.
Fish produced through marine fish-caging however increased by more than 36 percent as more cages in Misamis Oriental have good harvests and the notable influx of new operators.