Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 6) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday confirmed a high level of fish mortality in Batangas, with over ₱8 million worth of fish lost in the incident.
“Based on initial report received by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA- BFAR), an estimated volume of 109 MT of bangus and tilapia valued at ₱8.999 million were lost to an incident of fish mortality in Talisay, Batangas,” BFAR said in a statement.
BFAR added that tests done on the waters of Taal Lake showed higher levels of ammonia and sulfides, which authorities said were “potentially harmful to fishes.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture said it is ready to help farmers should Taal Volcano erupt again.
Dissolved oxygen levels were also lower in Tanauan and Talisay. However, BFAR has not said whether it was these conditions that contributed to the fish mortality incident in the area.
BFAR said it issued a water quality assessment report to fish cage operators around the lake, as well as local government units on July 5, as soon as the results of the assessment came out.
“As always, we are pro-active and have laid out immediate action plans and strategies for fisherfolk and farm families in lakeshore areas and adjoining barangays that may be affected,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in a separate statement Tuesday.
“The local government of Talisay and the operators of the affected fish cages are coordinating for safe collection and disposal of the fishes,” BFAR added.
BFAR regional director Sammy Malvas said 6,375 cage structures for milkfish and tilapia production could be affected in case of an eruption. Produce such as rice, corn, and high-value crops (banana, coffee, mango), livestock, and poultry could be affected as well.
“In the event of an eruption, the DA-BFAR 4A proposes a ₱282-million budget for immediate assistance, and rehabilitation and recovery initiatives,” the DA said.
