Milkfish (bangus) growers in Dagupan City are struggling with the slow growth of their fish amid recent storms, with some raising nets around their ponds due to Typhoon #NikaPH.

The precaution aims to prevent fish from escaping if water levels rise, helping growers avoid potential losses.

“Mas lalo silang nahihirapan kasi parang tao din, ginagalis, mas lalo silang [hihinang] kumain kaya sa ngayon hirap talaga kaming magpalaki,” Rodolfo Laigue, a local milkfish grower, said of the fish.

The stormy weather has made it harder for fish to eat regularly, leading to slow growth that may delay their harvest until 2025, though growers initially planned to harvest by late December 2024.

“Habang malayo pa, kung ano yung kailangang gawin, gawin na namin. Hindi na namin aantayin yung bagyo,” Laigue said.

Fishery expert, Dr. Westly Rosario, advised growers to reduce feed during the colder, rainy season to avoid waste.

“So kapag umuulan, sinasabi namin na mga technical people na huwag nang masyadong magpakain kasi hindi sila masyadong kumakain,” he said.