MALOLOS, Philippines — Around 100 hectares of fish ponds in seven barangays in Obando, Bulacan have been affected by fish kill.
Tons of milkfish have been floating in the ponds since Saturday, Wilfredo Cruz, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Luzon director, said yesterday.
Cruz said they are still assessing the situation even as he gave assurance that fingerlings would be provided to affected fish pond operators.
He said the dead fish should be buried at least one meter deep as they could pose a health risk.
Raul Agustin of the Bulacan disaster risk reduction and management council said local officials are claiming that fish kills usually occur during heavy rains, changes in temperature or the Earth’s movement, citing the magnitude 6 earthquake that struck parts of Luzon on Saturday. The quake was felt at Intensity 3 in Obando.
The fish kill has created a foul odor, affecting nearby barangays.