Fisheries sector expects record output

The output of the local fisheries sector is expected to hit a record 5.3 million metric tons this year, as the Department of Agriculture beefs up anti-poaching efforts and aquaculture projects.

Of this target, some 2.7 million MT are estimated to come from the aquaculture sector, 1.15 million MT from commercial fisheries, and 1.48 million MT from municipal fishing.

"In particular, we will pursue the expansion of seaweed farming; the propagation of high value species such as abalone, sea urchins and sea cucumbers, and Pacific white shrimp; more aggressive enforcement of anti-poaching and illegal fishing and sustained resource conservation efforts," Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap said.

Last year, the fisheries industry registered the biggest growth of 6.81 percent among agriculture subsectors with gross production value reaching P180.7 billion at current prices.