BY MARCHEL P. ESPINA
Milkfish, or bangus, is the top aquaculture commodity in Western Visayas in the second quarter of this year, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 6 reported.
In the report, 31,101 metric tons of milkfish were produced in the region during the period, followed by seaweeds with 27,185 MT, oyster – 2,657 MT, mussel – 2,236 MT, and tilapia – 501 MT.
Western Visayas produced a total of 63,959 MT of aquaculture in the second quarter of 2020.
The bulk of production came from Antique with 27,169 MT, or 42 percent, followed by Capiz – 21,854 MT, or 34 percent.
Iloilo recorded 5,715 MT in aquaculture production during the period, Negros Occidental – 4,551 MT, Aklan – 4,312 MT, and Guimaras – 356 MT.
The BFAR 6 said the major commodity produced by Antique is seaweeds.
It added that total production was higher than the first quarter, adding that the principle of good aquaculture practices to the region’s cultured fish commodities and rehabilitating inland freshwater areas are expected to boost production.
It thanked the food security frontliners, such as the fish farmers and fishpond operators, who are the region’s major contributors to the production of fish.
The agency also urged residents to continue to protect and conserve the region’s aquatic resources.*
