Central Visayas fisheries production up 15.45 percent in 2005

Fisheries production in Central Visayas posted a 15.45 percent increase last year with a total volume of 232,271.59 metric tons, representing 5.6 percent of the national fisheries production according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics-7.

The region ranked 7th among the 16 regions in terms of overall fisheries production in the country. ARMM gained the top slot among all regions with 16.2 percent production share followed by Southern Tagalog and Northern Mindanao.

Aquaculture fisheries production gained the most with 25.37 percent increase this year totaling to 116,687.11 metric tons. Although not as robust, commercial and municipal fisheries also posted volume increases during the year.

Production for commercial capture fisheries grew by 8.69 percent or 63,481.45 metric tons, while municipal capture fisheries increased by 4.86 percent or 52,103.03 metric tons.

As reported by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, there was a significant contribution from the acquaculture fisheries because of increased stocking in inland waters and cages and the expansion of seaweed production areas, specifically in Talibon and Bien Unido, in Bohol and Lipayran Island in Cebu.

Other production enhancing factors were favorable weather conditions, improved culture and management practices, availability of good quality fingerlings and quality seedlings.

For this year, BFAR is targeting a total production of about 274,825 mt wherein 50 percent of such target shall come from Acquaculture particularly seaweeds and milkfish.