Fish kill damage reaches P100 M

MANILA, Philippines - Losses due to the fish kill in Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur have reached P100 million, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said yesterday.

“Damaged tilapia may reach 100 metric tons,” said Nonie Enolva, BFAR-Bicol chief.

Enolva said earlier reports that losses have reached P178 million are premature, noting that they are still collating information from concerned local government units.

The BFAR regional office said restocking of fish cages should be suspended until it has been determined that the lake is favorable for fish culture.

The agency also called for the cleaning of sediments and clearing of water hyacinths to improve water circulation.

BFAR said it would set a limit on the number of fish cages to be installed per operator and enforce compliance with reportorial requirements on production as well as stricter ecological solid waste management.

Tilapia fingerlings will be provided to affected fish pen operators, it added.

Enolva said the fish kill occurred after Typhoon Karen generated inland waves that caused the upwelling of Lake Buhi.

Examination conducted by BFAR showed a compromised level of dissolved oxygen ranging from sub-lethal to normal.