NAGA CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA)—More than the damages in dwellings, roads and other infra, Typhoon Quinta also caused an unfortunate damage in the livelihood of fisherfolks who depend their daily provisions from the tilapia industry in Buhi, Camarines Sur.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in a press statement, stated that an initial 20 metric tons of tilapia was reportedly damaged due to Typhoon Quinta with a total valuation of P2.1 million.
The massive fish kill, according to BFAR Spokesperson Nonie P. Enolva, might just be the onset of more fish mortality as they are expecting more fish kills in the coming days.
“Normal and tolerable ranges of DO is below 5PPM and ammonia at only 0.050 mg/L or lower. Seiches (lake waves) that lasted for two to three hours at the height of the typhoon could have also been formed as a result of wind gust,” Enolva said.
Enolva further explained that “seiches can cause re-suspension or stirring up of organic and other particulate matters from the lake bottom. The suspended solid plumes can drift with the water current and be distributed to other parts of the lake causing turbidity that decreases light levels at the bottom that may affect production of natural food.”
BFAR 5 thru its Regional Fisheries Laboratory already conducted water sampling in their six stations; namely at Iraya, Ibayugan, Tambo, Cabatuan, Salvacion and Sta. Elena.
“From among the gathered water physico-chemical parameters the low dissolved oxygen (ranging from 0.18 to 4.37PPM) and very high ammonia (ranging from 7.58 to 10,679 mg/L) content of Lake Buhi are the remarkable variables that could have triggered the fishkill,” Enolva added.
To avoid more losses, BFAR 5 advised fisherfolks to harvest marketable size telapia, limit or skip feeding and observe the cultured tilapia regularly.
“We are enjoining the fish cage operators to report the damage and losses to the Lake Development Office for consolidation. The LGU is likewise advised to strictly adhere to the carrying capacity of the lake and effect regulatory and conservation measures to prevent future losses to the local tilapia industry.”
For any fish kill incident, you may reach out the BFAR 5 – Command Action Center thru hotline numbers 09194970286 or 09159316884. (LSMacatangay, NEnolva-BFAR/PIAV/Camarines Sur)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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