Asia is the main driver of aquaculture worldwide, accounting for 92% of global production. This percentage is largely represented by China, and about 20% corresponds to Southeast Asia.

The Philippines is inside the list of the top 15 aquaculture-producing countries worldwide and within the top 5 in Southeast Asia. It is the fourth largest producer of seaweed in the world. Its role in world aquaculture is of great relevance, although it has been decreasing over the years.

Fish is a staple in the country’s diet and is the main source of animal protein for its population. Local per capita consumption is 37 kg/year, and most of its production is consumed locally.

Aquaculture is the country’s main source of fish, while fishing, due to large exploitation, reduces its share year after year.  The most common farmed species nationally are milkfish (Chanos Chanos), tilapia (mostly Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus), and shrimp (Table 1).

Aquaculture is practiced in freshwater, brackish and marine water using a variety of species, production facilities and methods. Mariculture encompasses more than 50% of the country’s aquaculture, due to the large production of algae, as well as oysters and clams.

The remaining percentage is distributed in very similar proportion between brackish water and fresh water. Brackish water production is carried out in most cases in lagoons or ponds, while in fresh water production is divided between lagoons and cages. The most popular species in brackish water are milkfish, tilapia, grouper and  shrimp, while in fresh water are milkfish, carp and catfish.

The milkfish, called Bangus locally, is unofficially considered the national fish and has been farmed in the country for more than 50 years.  The islands of greatest production are Luzon, and the islands of Panay and Negros in Visayas.

Tilapia, the second most farmed fish species, is considered a very versatile fish and can grow in different environments, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “aquatic chicken”.  The main growing areas are located on the islands of Luzon and Mindanao.

The main species of shrimp or prawn farmed in the country are Penaus monodon, P.  vannamei and Metapenaeus ensis, and their main locations are on the island of Luzon, Bohol and Mindanao.

As for the export of aquaculture products, algae and shrimp are the two main sources of export. Tiger shrimp (Peneaus monodon) is one of the most exported shrimp species, and its main destinations are Japan, the  United States and Korea.

The importance of aquaculture in the country derives from the food security it implies as a source of protein of animal origin and employment, especially in coastal areas, as well as its contribution to exports and the generation of foreign exchange. However, local aquaculture faces different challenges that it must overcome, such as pests or diseases, unsustainable aquaculture practices and loss of water quality, or harmful algal blooms, which can cause serious ecological and socio-economic problems, along with difficulties of access to raw materials and capital.

Sources:

• BFAR (2019). Philippine fisheries profile 2018. PCA Compound, Elliptical Road, Quezon City Philippines
• PHILIPPINES STATISTICS AUTHORITY. Fisheries Situation Report for Major Species, January to December 2021
• Tahiluddin, A. & Terzi, E. (2021). An Overview of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Philippines . Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences , 6 (4) , 475-486 . DOI: 10.35229/jaes.944292