‘Milenyo’ wipes out fishpens, fishcages at Laguna Lake

The government’s plan to demolish illegal fishcages and fishpens at the Laguna de Bay was preempted by Typhoon "Milenyo," which wiped out not only the illegal structures but almost all the establishments in the lake.

Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) general manager Jun Ynares III said the typhoon wiped out the structures, specifically 80 percent of fishpens and 95 percent of fishcages at the lake.

The typhoon also unleased 97 percent of fish stocks, including bangus, tilapia, and big head carp, out into the lake, according to the latest survey of the LLDA.

"The planned demolition of the remaining illegal fishpens last Sept. 29 was called off when typhoon ‘Milenyo’ started demolishing not only the illegal structures but almost all the structures a day before the planned demolition," Ynares said.

"People gathered at the lake after the typhoon subsided to catch fish coming from destroyed fishpens and fishcages," he added.

Bangus and tilapia was sold at P10 to P15 per kilo in the market.

Ynares said they are expecting owners and operators to immediately rehabilitate their fishpens and fishcages.

However, Ynares reminded them to secure repair clearances first before they make improvements to avoid the influx of illegal structures in the lake.

"I have ordered a team to study and make recommendations to the LLDA Board of Directors on how to extend help to the effected clienteles. We may allow staggered payment of fishcage and fishpen fees to allow operators to cope with their losses and expenses," the LLDA chief said.

Ynares likewise disclosed that the typhoon also spoiled the planned cleanup of 24 rivers around the lake.

Ynares said tons of garbage that clogs the rivers is now in the lake.