commercial fisheries

THE PHILIPPINE Statistics Authority (PSA) Davao region reported that the volume of fisheries production in Davao Region in the fourth quarter of 2025 decreased by 28.7 percent.

The region recorded 13,838.29 metric tons in total for commercial fisheries, municipal fisheries, inland fisheries, and aquaculture, a dramatic decrease from the 19,418.07 metric tons recorded in the same period of 2024.

Among the provinces and highly urbanized cities (HUC), Davao de Oro was the only province that posted growth, with production increasing by 18.0 percent from 656.07 metric tons in 2024 to 773.99 metric tons in 2025.

In contrast, Davao del Sur, which posted the highest output in 2024, experienced the sharpest reduction at 58.8 percent, falling from 8,373.29 to 3,451.28 metric tons. 

Davao Oriental registered the lowest decline of 16.9 percent, from 6,695.89 to 5,565.92 metric tons. 

Meanwhile, Davao City produced the lowest output of 1,075.30 metric tons in the fourth quarter of 2025.

In terms of marine municipal fisheries, the region recorded a total production of 6,729.79 metric tons, reflecting a decrease of 17.9 percent from the 8,202.03 metric tons produced in the same period of 2024.

Across the region, Davao Oriental had the highest production at 3,489.32 metric tons, although this reflected a 24.3 percent decrease from 4,607.86 metric tons in the fourth quarter of 2024.

In terms of percentage share of the regional total, Davao Oriental dominated municipal fisheries production with 51.8 percent, indicating it as the primary source of catch in the region.

Municipal fisheries cover fishing operations in marine waters within 15 kilometers from the shoreline, either without the use of a fishing boat or with the use of a fishing boat with three gross tons or less.

Meanwhile, the inland fisheries production in the Davao Region performed well, totaling 13.51 metric tons, marking a 104.7 percent increase from the 6.60 metric tons recorded during the same period in 2024. 

“This notable expansion underscores a significant improvement in inland fishing activities across the region during the period,” PSA noted.

Davao de Oro led the production during the quarter, recording 7.73 metric tons, which represents a 210.4 percent increase from 2.49 metric tons in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Inland fisheries cover fishing operations performed in inland bodies of water using fishing vessels of three gross tons or less, or fishing not requiring the use of fishing vessels.

For aquaculture production, the region recorded a total production of 5,056.92 metric tons, a 44.0 percent decrease from the 9,034.98 metric tons produced during the same quarter in 2024. 

“This growth reflects a notable shrinkage in aquaculture activities across most of the region’s provinces and HUC,” PSA noted.

All provinces experienced a decline in aquaculture production except for Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental; however, Davao del Sur remained the leading producer, although its production declined by 61.1 percent, decreasing from 7,211.17 to 2,807.09 metric tons.

Aquaculture involves the propagation and culturing of fish and other fishery species in farming facilities such as fishponds, fish pens, and fish cages. It also includes oysters, mussels, and seaweed culture.

PSA posted that Milkfish was the top species in terms of production volume, despite a decrease from 6,606.18 metric tons in 2024 to 3,424.55 metric tons.

Squid posted a decreased production volume of 1,577.34 to 1,714.17 metric tons but claimed second place, while big-eyed scad was third as it decreased in production to 1,330.10 metric tons from 1,932.19 metric tons in 2024.