The Department of Agriculture (DA) said researchers have identified a small goby fish in Lake Bato, Camarines Sur that may be endemic, or found only in that area.
In a statement, the DA said scientists from the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) discovered the fish, locally known as “tabyos,” during a two-year fishery assessment of Lake Bato.
The agency said the finding could become an important focus for further research and conservation, and may help guide future fisheries management.
The study, led by Ma. Lourdes Merilles of NFRDI’s Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center, reviewed the lake’s fishery resources, including fishers, boats, gear, fish production, and species composition.
If confirmed as endemic, the goby species could add to the ecological value of the lake’s biodiversity, the DA said.
The NFRDI also reported that introduced fish species now dominate the lake. Of the 31 species recorded, 19 were identified as non-native.
Officials said the results will support ongoing efforts by local and national agencies to improve science-based management of inland fisheries in the Bicol region.
