BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga region will conduct four quarterly fisheries surveys starting June 21 to 25, 2021 in the different areas of the region. 

The surveys include the Quarterly Municipal Fisheries Survey (QMFS); Quarterly Aquaculture Surveys (QAqS); Quarterly Inland Fisheries Survey (QIFS); and Quarterly Commercial Fisheries Surveys (QCFS).

According to PSA Caraga regional director Dr. Rosalinda C. 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 levels. 

“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,” Apura said.

Apura said that during the conduct of the surveys, hired statistical researchers (SRs) will visit the sample fish landing centers for commercial and municipal fisheries as well as selected sample aquafarm operators and inland fishing households. 

To ensure that the procedures and concepts are understood and to assure that they adhere to the prescribed COVID-19 safety protocols during the conduct of the interview, Apura said that the hired SRs are trained prior to its actual field operations. 

Apura also assured that all the data and information collected by the hired SRs from sample fishermen 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/PIA Caraga)