Hundreds of dead fishes were spotted floating near Baseco Beach in the City of Manila.
The fish kill has caused alarm especially among fisherfolks who suspect the artificial “white sand” or dolomite as the cause.
However, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) pointed out that it has nothing to do with the dolomite. Based on the study of the DENR, the dolomite helps in balancing the PH level or acidity of the water in Manila Bay.
“The area of the nourishment is far from Baseco. It’s about 5 kilometers away. One thing for sure is the dolomite has a line content. ‘Yung line content niya ang nag-neu-neutralize ng ating PH level o ‘yung acid level ng tubig na kadalasan ang kinamamatay po ng isda natin ay ‘yung pagtaas ng acid level na ‘to. Kung kaya’t nakakatulong pa po ‘yan sa paglinis po ng ating tubig. (Its line content neutralizes the PH level or the acid level of the water which usually causes the death of our fishes. That is why it helps in cleaning the water.)” DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda explained.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)also clarified that the fish kill was caused by the low level of oxygen in the water.
Meanwhile, some residents of the area have stated that fish kill is not new since it occurs every year.
Report from Louisa Erispe
