PSA starts 2021 quarterly fisheries survey

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will conduct the January 2021 round Quarterly Fisheries Survey. According to PSA Caraga regional director Dr. Rosalinda Apura, the survey aims to generate volume and value on Commercial Fisheries, Marine Municipal Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, and Aquaculture production by species and by quarter at the national, regional, and provincial level. Apura said that the statistics generated through the conduct of these surveys serve as input to the compilation of national accounts, researches and studies, estimation of the performance of agriculture, policymaking, and program implementation. “There will be hired Statistical Researchers (SRs) who will visit the sample fish landing centers for commercial and municipal fisheries as well as selected sample aqua farm operators and inland fishing households to generate fisheries outputs,” Apura said. During the data collection, the PSOs are encouraged to ensure that the hired SRs and/ or Field Supervisors are practicing proper social distancing from their

respective respondents to avoid possible contamination with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Also, Apura enjoins PSOs to explore the use of phone, email, and other creative ways to collect information needed in the surveys. Apura also ensures that all the data and information collected by the hired SRs from sample fishermen and aqua farms shall be kept strictly confidential and shall not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation as provided under Article 55 of Republic Act 10625. (NCLM/PSA/PIA Caraga)