Tahong 2024 2021 May 2026

In the coastal waters of the Philippines, the humble Tahong (green mussel, Perna viridis) is more than just a delicacy—it is a barometer of environmental health and economic stability. The period between 2021 and 2024 was a turbulent rollercoaster for the industry, marked by disaster, recovery, and a sudden, mysterious boom.

Here is the story of Tahong in those pivotal years. tahong 2024 2021

| Region | 2021 Status | 2024 Status (Projected/Reported) | |--------|-------------|----------------------------------| | Region IV-A (Cavite, Batangas) | Bacoor Bay: Moderate harvest, occasional PSP (paralytic shellfish poison) alerts. | Bacoor Bay: Improved water quality in some areas; higher spatfall reported in early 2024. | | Region VI (Western Visayas – Capiz, Iloilo) | Major producer but hit by prolonged red tide (Aug–Dec 2021). | Red tide still present in coastal waters of Panay Island as of June 2024; intermittent bans. | | Region VIII (Eastern Visayas – Samar, Leyte) | Matarinao Bay, Cancabato Bay: PSP detected in July–Sept 2021. | Recurring PSP in San Pedro Bay (Samar) as of March 2024; many areas remain unsafe. | | Region V (Masbate – Milagros, Mandaon) | Milagros Bay declared red-tide positive (Nov 2021). | Mandaon Bay still under red tide warning as of Sept 2024 – longest closure in the country. | | Region XI (Davao Gulf) | Minimal PSP reports; low commercial harvest. | Increased mussel farming trials; harvest up 15% vs 2023. | In the coastal waters of the Philippines, the

Key Finding: In 2021, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported approximately 28,000–30,000 metric tons (MT) of green mussels. In 2024, preliminary estimates suggest 26,000–27,500 MT, a slight decline due to extended red tide closures in key areas. | Region | 2021 Status | 2024 Status

Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape for tahong has changed significantly, driven by broader economic factors.

Sustainability note: Farmers in 2024 are now rotating lines more frequently and using deeper water cages to mitigate heat stress.