MANILA -The government is projecting a fish supply shortfall of 57,839 metric tons (MT) in the fourth quarter of this year, prompting them to authorize another round of importation.
On Aug. 15, the Department of Agriculture issued a memorandum circular allowing the importation of 35,000 metric tons of fish for the wet markets in the fourth quarter of the year.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said this would cover about 60 percent of the estimated shortfall and that shipments will start reaching public markets beginning end-October. Shipments will arrive in tranches but importation of the approved volume must be in not later than Jan 15, 2024.
The BFAR’s supply and demand outlook estimated supply at 769,446 MT in the October to December period while demand was projected at 827,285 MT.
The agency noted there would be a decline in fish production based on historical data because of the temporary closure of major fishing grounds in the first and fourth quarters of the year.
In an interview, BFAR chief information officer Nazario Briguera said the proposed volume of frozen fish to be imported ranged from 40,000 to 45,000 MT.
However, Briguera said the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC) recommended the importation of only 30,000 to 35,000 MT, noting this was the volume of consumption in the previous year.
The volume recommended, he said, was just enough to meet the needs during the closed season for fishing.
This week, the Department of Agriculture (DA) issued a memorandum circular authorizing the importation of 35,000 MT of frozen round scad (galunggong), bigeye scad, mackerel, bonito and moonfish from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 this year.
Of these, 80 percent will be allotted to registered importers belonging to the commercial sector and 20 percent to fisheries associations and cooperatives.
The latest round is open to commercial fishing operators with Commercial Fishing Vessel and Gear License (CFVGL) and fisheries associations and cooperatives affected by the closed fishing season.
Briguera said prices of fish are anticipated to decrease upon the arrival of fish imports since the country is assured of enough supply by then.
“What is important is that importers follow the guidelines, that imported fish should reach the country not later than Jan. 15 because this is around the time fishers start to catch so there should be no competition in our local production,” he added.
Briguera said they have observed increases in the selling prices of fish due largely to higher production cost.
In Metro Manila, Milkfish (Bangus) were being retailed for P150 to P240 per kilogram as of Aug. 17 from P180 per kg a year ago, based on the DA’s price monitoring.
Tilapia is sold from P120 to P160 per kg from P120 per kg previously.
Local round scad (galunggong) is priced from P220 to P280 per kg against last year’s P240. Imported round scad is priced at P200 per kg compared to P180 per kg.
Meanwhile, Indian mackerel (Alumahan) is sold from P300 to P320 per kg, up from P310 per kg in the previous year.
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