There is no sardine shortage, as sufficiency level for sardine or tamban is pegged at 222.58% for the first quarter of 2022, and 409.06% for the 2nd quarter.

The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources also forecasts an annual production of 293,431 metric tons (MT), covering the national demand of 101,367 MT.  

The volume, which is entirely sourced locally, comes from commercial and municipal fishers, at 208,387 MT and 85,043 MT share respectively. (Photos courtesy of NFRDI)