The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) conducts periodic surveys on fisheries.  The fisheries sector is composed of the commercial, municipal, and aquaculture.   There are four (4) quarterly surveys that generate volume and value of production by species at the national, regional and provincial level, namely:  Quarterly Commercial Fisheries Survey (QCFS); Quarterly Municipal Fisheries Survey (QMFS); Quarterly Inland Fisheries Survey (QIFS); and, Quarterly Aquaculture Survey (QAqS).  The statistics generated from these surveys will serve as inputs to the compilation of the national accounts, estimation of performance of fishery sector, policy making and program implementation.

Commercial Fisheries cover fishing operations in marine waters beyond 15 kilometers from the shoreline by fishing boats with more than three gross tons.  The QCFS gathers information on volume and price of species unloaded in the commercial landing centers.

Municipal Fisheries cover fishing operations in marine waters within 15 kilometers from the shoreline, either without the use of a fishing boat or with the use of fishing boat with three gross tons or less.  The QMFS gathers information on volume and price of species unloaded in the municipal landing centers.

Aquaculture involves propagation and culturing of fish and other fisheries in farming facility such as fishpond, fish pen and fish cage.  It also includes oyster, mussel and seaweed culture.  The QAqS gathers information on volume and price of species harvested in the aquafarms.

Inland fisheries cover fishing operations performed in inland bodies of water using fishing vessels of three gross tons or less, or fishing not requiring the use of fishing vessels.  The QIFS gathers information on volume and price of species caught by inland fishing households.

Data collection for the fisheries surveys are done during second to third week of the last month of the quarter, except on the last quarter of the year where data collection is a month earlier.  The first quarter of 2025 data collection for QCFS and QMFS will end on 31 March, while the QIFS and QAqs will be on 17 to 28 March.  For the second quarter of 2025, the QCFS and QMFS will be conducted once a week from 
April to June 2025.  Meanwhile, the QIFS and QAqS will be undertaken from 
16 to 27 June 2025.  

Data collection will be conducted through face-to-face interview using computer-aided personal interviewing (CAPI) system.  Field supervision involves gathering of auxiliary information from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Local Government Units

(LGUs); Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA); and Business Establishments/Selected Fishermen in the Province.  

These statistical activities were reviewed and cleared for conduct under the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), a mechanism prescribed by RA 10625 or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013 to ensure sound design for data collection; minimize the burden placed upon respondents; effect economy in statistical data collection; eliminate unnecessary duplication of statistical data collection efforts; and, achieve better coordination of government statistical activities.

In line with this, PSA enjoins all sample landing centers and sample household/owner/operator to support the survey by providing truthful information to authorized PSA Statistical Researchers who will visit them to interview and collect the questionnaires.  The Office adheres and commits to the confidentiality of information as stipulated in Section 26 of RA 10625 and Section 8 of RA 10173.  All data obtained herein shall be held strictly confidential, and will not be used for taxation, investigation or law enforcement purposes.  Survey results will be released in the form of summaries or statistical tables.

For inquiries and further information, please contact our office with telephone number (053) 839-1884 and email address rsso08socd@psa.gov.ph.  

SGD. WILMA A. PERANTE
Regional Director