The Philippine Coast Guard reported that there have been a series of fishkill with mullet fish floating in Manila Bay breakwater early dawn Monday.
Bureau of Fisheries and Acquatic Resources (BFAR) said that “Dissolved oxygen levels from three sampling stations were at 1.2, “way below the normal oxygen level of five (and above)… to be able to sustain marine life.”
This oxygen depletion in the water may have been the cause of the fish kills.
PCG also added that “Apparently, the water quality in the Manila Yacht Club breakwater is polluted due to stagnation, hence the cause of the fish kill.”
The PCG said there had been no chemical or oil spills that could cause the fish kill.
Meanwhile, another fish kill have been feared to happen in Pangasinan.
Dr. Westly Rosario, chief of the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center (NIFTDC) said that “This is quite alarming as this can spawn another big fish kill, especially because of the fact that neap tide is going to be experienced in the area and the whole archipelago from June 7 to 9.”
The local government of Anda with the help of BFAR advised the fish growers to reduce the number of fish in their ponds to prevent the fish kill.
Authorities told and advise the public that the neap tide we are experiencing will last until March and notifying the fish growers to comply with hints of concern.
(Mary Rose Faith Bonalos)
