As the government attempts to balance the availability and price of fish products, more imported frozen fish is anticipated to reach local markets during the second quarter.
Estimates indicate that the local supply of fish will not be sufficient to fulfill the predicted demand. Hence the Duterte administration has resorted to more fish imports.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar predicted a fish supply shortfall of around 90,000 metric tons this year, based on a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources fish supply estimate (BFAR).
“We continue to monitor fish prices which are now slightly increasing, and the decision to extend the CNI (certificate of necessity to import) is part of the price stabilization efforts of the government,” said Dar.
He refers to the import licenses obtained in January by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to import 60,000 metric tons (MT) of small pelagic fish from overseas for the first quarter.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States defines pelagic fish occupying the maritime zone. It is the largest marine environment on the planet and accounts for around a quarter of the yearly global fisheries catch.
At the time, the DA stated that the importation, which local farm groups opposed, was required due to the destruction caused by Typhoon “Odette” in Visayas and Mindanao fishing areas late last year.
Philippines to import more frozen fish starting June
Due to ongoing supply difficulties, the DA issued an administrative order mandating the importation of frozen fish and fishery/aquatic products from April to June.
“The previously approved CNI still allows a remaining volume of 38,695 MT,” said Dar.
Under the DA’s Fisheries Administrative Order No. 259, which sets the rules and regulations on the importation of frozen fish and aquatic products for wet markets during closed and off-fishing seasons or calamities, the latest directive governs the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance for frozen fish imports for the quarter.
According to the DA directive, imported frozen fish must be disposed of within 20 days after arrival.
Only reputable importers who have met specific requirements may be permitted to participate in the importation.
The BFAR must not have filed any case against the importer for breaking any food safety or importation rules and regulations to be regarded in good standing.
The importer must also agree to sell the imported fish for a maximum of P90 per kilo and pay the government P500 for each metric ton of volume granted.
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