The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the fish kill in Cañacao Bay in Cavite is not expected to have any significant impact on the broad economy.
According to the BFAR, the fish involved, the black chin tilapia, has “low economic value.”
Earlier this week, the Philippine Coast Guard reported a fish kill off the coast of Barangay 61 in Cavite City that had been properly disposed to prevent foul smell.
Nazario Briguera, BFAR spokesperson, at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public forum Thursday, said the fish kill was due to a drop in dissolved oxygen level that caused an algal bloom in the area.
He explained the algal bloom is a natural phenomenon and cannot be predicted although the BFAR is monitoring water quality.
“This also has not much impact in the fishing industry. (Black chin tilapia) is not preferred by fishers as it has not much commercial value. Fish also have natural coping mechanisms and can swim away from affected areas. We are continuing cleaning efforts so that the stench from the dead fish will not affect people,” Briguera said.
With the fishing season remaining closed in the Visayan Sea and Zamboanga Peninsula lasting until 15 February should help boost local fish stocks of small pelagic species, including sardines.
Fishing grounds in Northeast Palawan remaining closed until January next year should allow the galunggong species to spawn and rebuild its population.
