Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 4) – Mitigating measures are in place to ensure enough food supply during El Niño, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said Thursday.
The bureau under the Departmet of Agriculture said preparations include: intensifying information, education, and communication campaigns among fisherfolk; boosting production of fish farming in cages in the mariculture parks; and ensuring sufficiency of fry and fingerlings.
BFAR national director Demosthenes Escoto said El Niño has “positive and negative impacts” on the local food supply.
READ: PAGASA raises El Niño Alert
He said it may be favorable to archipelagic species that prefer warmer temperatures such as tuna and sardines.
On the other hand, it will be challenging to land-based aquatic species such as bangus and tilapia, he pointed out.
BFAR advised fisherfolk to have the appropriate stock or number of fingerlings in their cages so they will not lack oxygen, thus lessening the probability of fish kill occurrence.
The Manila Electric Company on Thursday said it is working hand-in-hand with the Department of Energy to ensure enough power supply during the anticipated El Niño.
The World Meteorological Organization earlier said there is a 60% chance that El Niño will occur from May to July this year.
READ: El Niño likely to return this year – WMO
