About 109 metric tons of “bangus” or milkfish and tilapia worth ₱8.999 million were lost to a fish kill in Taal Lake due to the volcano unrest.
The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) said in a statement on Tuesday (July 6) that they are in close coordination with the local government unit (LGU) and operators of fish cages in Talisay, Batangas that are being affected by the fishkill.
According to BFAR, all affected fish in the Taal Lake are being brought by the operators to the LGU’s mortality pit for safe disposal.
“Bawat bayan po diyan ay mayroon pong designated mortality pit, at doon po hinahakot, doon po dinadala ‘yung mga patay na isda para po ilibing. Very strict po ‘yung ating mga local government units dyan at hindi po yan hahayaang makarating sa merkado,” DA Director Sammy Malvas said.
Based on the report on water quality assessment in Taal Lake on July 5, the dissolved oxygen (DO) in several areas of Tanauan and Talisay in Batangas has registered 2.38 – 3.80 mg/L, which is comparatively lower than the standard level of 5.0 mg/L for dissolved oxygen.
Furthermore, the ammonia level in the lake is at 0.12 – 0.21 mg/L, while the sulfide level is at 0.01 – 0.10 mg/L. These are above the standard level which are potentially harmful to the fish.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Batangas is also patrolling along the lake to monitor fishermen who would attempt to approach the areas near the crater.
A warning will be issued to first time offenders, while second time offenders will be apprehended, the Coast Guard said. – Report from Ryan Lesigues / CF – rir
