Fisheries output down by 12% due to high oil prices

Fisheries production in the region, where the Tuna Capital of the country is located, has declined by 12% from 270,812 metric tons in 2004, to 237,557 metric tons in 2005, the latest data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics showed. Citing the report from the regional BAS, Ma. Lourdes Lim, regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority, said there were few fishing expeditions last year due to high prices of oil.