Fishing Households and Operators

The number of households with fishing operators increased to 830,954 in 2022, representing a 9.3 percent increase from 760,297 fishing households in 2012. Likewise, fishing operators rose to 853,065, marking a 7.3 percent growth over the same period. (Table A)

The average number of fishing operators per household dropped from 1.05 in 2012 to 1.03 in 2022, showing a 1.8 percent decrease. This suggests that fishing is becoming more of a household activity with fewer members per household actively engaged as operators, potentially due to diversification or transition of livelihood or a decrease in younger generations engaged in fishing. (Table A)

Data from 2012 and 2022 showed that household-based fishing operations were primarily dominated by middle-aged fishing operators (or those in the age group 30 to 49 years). In 2022, the 30-39 age group accounted for 215,751 fishing operators (25.3%), while the 40-49 age group followed closely with 214,208 fishing operators (25.1%). Similarly, in 2012, the 30-39 age group led with 214,267 fishing operators (26.9%), and the 40-49 age group contributed 209,504 fishing operators (26.4%). (Figure 1)

Fishing operator demographics in the Philippines between 2012 and 2022 reveal a decline in operators under 50 years old, while those aged 50 years and above saw significant growth. (Table B)

Notably, Zamboanga Peninsula and Caraga demonstrated significant growth among operators aged 50 years and above, with their numbers more than doubling—rising by 116.3 percent and 110.0 percent, respectively. Conversely, eight out of 17 regions reported a decline in operators below 50 years old. The sharpest decreases in the younger age group were observed in the National Capital Region (down by 67.0%) and SOCCSKSARGEN (down by 44.0%).  (Table B)

In 2022, most fishing operators were males, accounting for 810,145 out of 835,065 fishing operators nationwide (95.0%), while females represented 42,920 fishing operators or 5.0 percent. (Figure 2)

Male fishing operators saw a slight increase in 2022 compared to 2012, from 776,150 to 810,145 operators (4.4%). Although female representation in the fishing industry remains slim, the number of female operators more than doubled in both absolute numbers and percentage share from 2012 to 2022. (Table C)

In 2022, approximately one in 20 fishing operators were females (5.0%). However, some regions reported higher female participation than the national average. Cordillera Administrative Region led with 10.1 percent of the region’s total female fishing operators.  Western Visayas ranks second with 9.7 percent female participation followed by Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao with 9.5 percent and 6.9 percent female participation respectively. (Table D)

At the provincial level, 29 out of 83 provinces exceeded the national average of 5.0 percent female participation in fishing operations. South Cotabato led with women accounting for 21.2 percent of fishing operators, followed by Mountain Province at 19.6 percent and Kalinga at 14.4 percent. In terms of absolute numbers, Bohol and Cebu ranked highest, with 4,830 and 3,600 female fishing operators, respectively.

The fishing sector continues to exhibit significant gender disparity, with males comprising the overwhelming majority of operators. A decade-long comparison between 2012 and 2022 reveals slight progress in female representation but highlights persistent imbalances.

Fishing Operations

In 2022, a total of 854,587 capture fishing operations were recorded across the country. Single proprietorship dominated the industry, accounting for 843,469 operations or 98.7 percent of the total. Partnership made up only 1.3 percent of fishing operations. Institutional involvement, such as corporations, cooperatives, and government agencies, was minimal, collectively contributing only 0.03 percent. (Table E)

Marine waters accounted for the majority of fishing activities in the Philippines, with 654,090 fishing operations or 76.5 percent of the total fishing operations. This was followed by inland freshwaters with 124,630 fishing operations, making up 14.6 percent of the total. These include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, marshes, which are crucial for inland communities dependent on freshwater fishing. Brackish waters, where seawater meets fresh water (e.g., swamps and mangrove areas), support 41,734 fishing operations, representing 4.9 percent of the total fishing operations. Fishing activities in both marine and inland waters comprised the least, with 33,721 fishing operations (3.9%). (Figure 3) 

In 2022, about half of the total fishing operations in the Philippines were concentrated in six regions: Bicol Region (97,499 operations or 11.4%), Central Visayas (96,604 fishing operations or 11.3%), Western Visayas (81,123 operations or 9.5%), Eastern Visayas (80,481 operations or 9.4%), and MIMAROPA (77,640 operations or 9.1%). Together, these regions accounted for about half (50.7%) of all fishing operations nationwide, highlighting their significant contribution to the fishing industry. Moreover, these regions dominated marine capture fishing operations, collectively contributing to 383,268 operations, representing more than half (55.7%) of the total 687,810 marine fishing operations in the country. 

Central Visayas reported the highest number of marine fishing operations in 2022, with 87,565 operations, accounting for 12.7% of the national total. It was followed by the Bicol Region with 83,494 (12.1%) operations; Eastern Visayas with 72,435 (10.5%) operations; Western Visayas with 71,488 (10.4%) operations; and MIMAROPA Region closely behind with 68,286 (9.9%) marine fishing operations.

On the other hand, inland fishing operations were most prevalent in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which accounted for 23,021 inland fishing operations or 11.5 percent of the total 200,084 inland fishing operations nationwide. Cagayan Valley followed closely, with 20,817 inland fishing operations, making up approximately 10.4 percent of the total inland fishing activities. (Table F)

The results are based on 2022 CAF conducted among households and non-household entities that operated fishing activities from 01 January to 31 December 2022. Household interviews for the 2022 CAF were conducted in September to November 2023, while non-household interviews were conducted in May to July 2023. 

CLAIRE DENNIS S. MAPA, PhD
Undersecretary
National Statistician and Civil Registrar General