CAGAYAN de Oro City — Northern Mindanao put more fish on local tables in 2025 as the region’s total fish harvest rose 12.5 percent to 74,459 metric tons, up from 66,211 metric tons the previous year. 

The increase was largely driven by Lanao del Norte, which accounted for 45,473 metric tons—or about six in every 10 tons of fish produced in the region. 

Misamis Oriental followed with 9,991 metric tons, while Camiguin recorded 4,559 metric tons. 

Bukidnon posted the fastest growth, with its fish production rising nearly 50 percent to 2,998 metric tons. The increase was attributed to government efforts to expand freshwater fish farming in inland lakes and rivers. 

But not all provinces saw gains. 

Misamis Occidental’s production fell 10.2 percent to 11,438 metric tons, a decline that fishery officials said could point to environmental pressures and possible overfishing. 

Small-scale municipal fishers remained the biggest contributors to Northern Mindanao’s fish supply, accounting for more than half of the region’s total catch. Their production increased 17.4 percent in 2025. 

Commercial fishing contributed about one-fifth of the total, while aquaculture accounted for 17.3 percent. 

Among the region’s major fishery products, tamban or sardines remained the top catch by volume. The fish supplies local canning factories and is also an affordable protein source for many families. 

Pusit or squid and bangus or milkfish were also among the leading income-generating products for fishing communities. 

To protect fish stocks, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) continues to enforce fishing restrictions, including the annual closed season for sardine fishing in Gingoog Bay from Dec. 1 to March 1. 

During closed seasons, affected fishers may receive cash-for-work assistance and skills training to help offset lost income. 

BFAR-10 is also looking to increase investments in aquaculture as part of efforts to reduce pressure on wild fish stocks. 

Stephanie C. Tomarong, officer-in-charge of the BFAR-10 Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, said priority commodities include bangus, tilapia, rabbitfish, shrimp and crabs, with additional support expected from foreign-funded interventions. 

The strategy aims to keep fish supplies stable while giving fishing communities more livelihood options and protecting the region’s wild fish stocks for the future.