Dry season’s heat blamed for fish kill in parts of PHL

The intense heat from the dry season is being blamed for the fish kill that has affected fish pond operators in parts of Luzon.

In Caoayan in Ilocos Sur, GMA Ilocos reported a fish cage owner was forced to harvest and sell his tilapia even if they have not fully grown, due to the hot weather.



Many of the owners believe the heat may have affected the oxygen levels and caused the fish kill.

The report said local authorities may declare a state of calamity if the fish kill worsens.

In Bicol, fish cage owners near Lake Bato in Camarines Sur are complaining of a fish kill due to the heat.

BFAR: No cause for alarm

For her part, Mercy Bantaya,  Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' national coordinator for fish kill investigation and monitoring, said though she has yet to receive official reports of the recent fish kill incidents in Luzon, there is no cause for alarm for now.

However, she noted that if the hot weather continues, more incidents of fish kill may be expected without proper management by fish growers.

Bantaya said their agency has been conducting seminars nationwide to inform fish cage owners of ways to prevent fish kill.

"Kailangang ma-maintain ang water quality, kapag masyadong mainit, magkukulang ang hangin at mamatay ang mga isda," she said, noting that should the water become too hot, emergency harvest should be done to minimize losses. — Joel Locsin and Amanda Fernandez/LBG/JDS, GMA News