The fresh fish market is currently experiencing tighter supply and higher prices as the country emerges from the closed fishing season and cold weather continues to limit catches.

Jonjon Santos, president of the Association of Fresh Fish Traders of the Philippines, Inc., explained that the seasonal ban on commercial fishing from November to February has significantly reduced the volume of fish arriving in local markets.

“Because we just came out of the closed fishing season, the volume of fish is still very low. Supply has not yet returned to normal levels,” he said.

Cold weather has also affected supply, Santos added, noting that fishing boats are only now beginning to resume operations. “It is still very cold, and boats are only now starting to head out for fishing this February,” he explained.

Santos expects prices to ease once production returns in March. “Once production picks up in March, prices will start to drop,” he said.

During the peak months of March to May, the average wholesale price of galunggong typically falls between Php60 and Php80 per kilo, while retail prices range from Php150 to Php200 per kilo. Santos warned that supply may worsen again during the “ber” months, when production traditionally declines.

He also noted that male galunggong has been difficult to find, even in imports, as major producers such as Vietnam and China recorded low output during the closed season. “From November to February, even male galunggong was difficult to find. Production in Vietnam and China was also limited, so prices did not fall much,” Santos said.

Female galunggong, which is more commonly imported, has been selling at around Php100 per kilo in the wholesale market. “Imported female galunggong is about Php100 per kilo. Local, larger varieties should be around Php180 to Php200 per kilo,” he added.

Santos said galunggong prices should be more stable compared to other fish species, but catches of alumahan and tulingan remain unpredictable, causing greater price fluctuations.

Regarding reports that the Philippines loses about 45 million kilos of fish annually due to the fishing ban, Santos emphasized that the closed season is essential for replenishing fish stocks. “I am not aware of how this figure was calculated. We know that from November to February, fishing is not allowed, so it is normal for prices to rise,” he said.

“Closing the fishing season is the most effective way to repopulate and increase fish stocks. By March, our catch improves significantly, whether it is galunggong or sardines.”

As local fishing resumes in the coming weeks, traders and consumers will be watching closely for signs of supply recovery and price relief.