Fish kill affects Pangasinan towns; bangus growers lose at least P100M

Fish kill has been reported in Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan, according to a report on Balitanghali Weekend by Joanne Ponsoy of RTV Balitang Amianan on Saturday.

Initial reports said bangus growers in the two towns have lost at least P100 million.

In Anda, dead bangus floated in fish ponds and residents have started complaining about the bad smell.

"Malaking perwisyo po talaga... Sobra lalo na utang pa ang puhunan namin," said Randy Candidor, a bangus grower.

To recoup some of their losses, bangus growers have started harvesting the fish even if these are still small.

According to the Municipal Agriculture Office, the level of dissolved oxygen went down and the surface temperature of water rose, causing the fish kill.

The local government of Anda has ordered growers not to stock bangus in fishpens and fish cages in the meantime.

In Bolinao, fish kill has affected Barangays Luciente II, Luna, and Culang.

Authorities said they are monitoring to ensure that the dead fish do not end up being sold in markets.

"Talaga pong maingat tayo at mino-monitor namin mga pantalan para masiguro na hindi na naibenta ang mga patay na isda," said Paquita Estrella, head of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Bolinao. —KG, GMA News