As temperatures rise, bangus (milkfish) growers in Pangasinan are facing a major challenge: gataw, a condition where fish swim to the surface due to low oxygen levels in the water.

On March 6, 2025, Rene Flores, a fish farmer, released 30,000 bangus fingerlings into his one-hectare fishpond in Barangay Lucao, Dagupan City.

He expects to sell them to other fish growers in two months, but the heat puts their survival at risk.

“Kulang ng oxygen ‘yung tubig kaya sa ibabaw na sila humihinga. And worst, mamamatay sila,” Flores said.

He invested over P80,000 in the fingerlings, but aside from gataw, predatory birds also threaten his stock.

Dr. Westly Rosario, a fishery expert, advised farmers to prevent gataw by reducing fish stocks through partial harvesting or stirring the water using motorized boats to improve oxygen levels.

“Puwede silang maglagay ng bangka doon sa palaisdaan. Itali ‘yung motor banca, patakbuhin para gumalaw ‘yung tubig,” Rosario said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) expects even hotter temperatures from April to May, with the dry season likely to begin in the coming week if easterly winds persist.