Filipino fishers produced more fish and other aquatic products in the second quarter of 2026, helping boost the country’s overall fisheries output despite a decline in farmed fish production, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) said Friday.
The Philippines produced an estimated 1.03 million metric tons of fish and other fisheries products from April to June, 2% higher than the 1.01 million metric tons recorded during the same period in 2025, based on the latest Fisheries Situation Report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The increase was largely driven by higher catches from municipal fishers, particularly those operating in marine waters, as well as commercial fishing.
Marine municipal fisheries production jumped 18.8% to 247.35 thousand metric tons from 208.14 thousand metric tons a year earlier. This means small-scale fishers operating in municipal waters contributed a larger share of the fish supply during the quarter.
Commercial fisheries production also increased slightly by 0.7% to 272.87 thousand metric tons.
The higher production came as the value of the country’s fisheries output rose 11.4% to P91.63 billion, potentially providing greater economic activity and income opportunities across fishing communities.
BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig said the growth shows the continuing contribution of municipal and commercial fishers to the country’s food security and the livelihood of fisherfolk.
“The increase in fisheries production both in volume and value in the second quarter of 2026 indicates the continuing contribution of our municipal and commercial fisheries to the country’s food security and the livelihoods of our fisherfolk,” Salilig said.
However, not all parts of the fisheries sector posted gains.
Aquaculture, which includes fish and other aquatic products raised in farms, fell 4.8% to 460.93 thousand metric tons from 483.92 thousand metric tons. It nevertheless remained the country’s biggest source of fisheries production, accounting for nearly 45% of the total.
Several commonly consumed species recorded higher production. Squid output increased 42.2%, while roundscad or galunggong rose 38% and tilapia by 13.1%.
Other products posted declines, including seaweed, which fell 3.3%, and milkfish or bangus, which dropped 7.1%.
Salilig said BFAR would continue working with local governments, fishing communities and industry groups to address production problems and strengthen the fisheries sector.
