PORTS across the country recorded higher fish deliveries in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024 compared to a year earlier, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) said.

In a quarterly report, the agency said that fish unloaded from July to September totaled 129,227 metric tons (MT), 4.37 percent higher than the 123,813 MT in the same period of 2023. The figure, however, was lower than the 186,557 MT in Q2 this year.

Fish catch in July was the highest at 50,862 MT. In August it was 42,354 MT and September, 36,844 MT.

Regional fish ports served 8,750 clients in quarter with 19,619 vessels having unloaded. The PFDA said the opening of fishing grounds improved the utilization rate of port facilities with piers and quays recording a 189-percent usage. "Once the rehabilitation and improvements projects in PFDA regional fish ports come to completion, this high utilization rate could [further improve]," the agency said.

The usage of market halls reached 86 percent and cold storage at 74 percent. The utilization rate for commercial and industrial areas was 84 percent. Construction and rehabilitation of five regional ports are ongoing.

The Davao Fish Port Complex, which is almost fully built, can cater to more clients and stakeholders not only in the region but also in nearby provinces.

The Sual Fish Port Complex is 97.8-percent complete; Iloilo Fish Port, 93.13-percent; Zamboanga Fish Port, 53.2-percent; and the Camaligan Fish Port Complex is 50.6-percent done.

The PFDA likewise reported that it had signed an agreement in August for the construction of a new fish port in Libas, Roxas City, Capiz — popularly known as the seafood capital of the Philippines. The region boasts a wide array of seafood delicacies and abundant marine life produce.