The species composition in the waters of Fisheries Management Area 7 (FMA-7) has significantly changed in the past two decades based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data 2002-2020. In 2002, the dominant marine product was seaweed with 16 percent of the total landings followed by round scad at 12 percent, Indian mackerel at 10 percent and anchovies at 6 percent. Small pelagics dominate the landings with about 50 percent of the total landings. Sardines only represent 8 percent of the total landings.

Barcia, R. B. (2022, December 20). Sardines catch up again, PSA report shows. The Manila Times, p. A10.