The DA-BFAR announced on Thursday that they had implemented measures to ensure an adequate fish supply as the country prepares for the arrival of El Niño.
According to a statement made by Atty. Demosthenes Escoto, the national director of DA-BFAR, states that the onset of El Niño, which is expected to occur in June, will positively and negatively impact the local fish supply.
While El Niño can benefit archipelagic species like tuna and sardines that thrive in warmer waters, it poses a challenge to land-based aquaculture species like bangus and tilapia.
According to Atty. Escoto, lower water levels caused by the weather phenomenon can lead to a scarcity of dissolved oxygen, making it harder for these species to survive.
On Tuesday, PAGASA, the state weather bureau, issued an alert for El Niño after predicting an 80% probability of the phenomenon emerging within the next three months and lasting until the first quarter of next year.
The abnormal warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean and below-normal rainfall characterizes the El Niño phenomenon.
Escoto recommended that local fisherfolk follow good aquaculture practices to cushion the impact of El Niño on their catch.
DA-BFAR prepares for possible fish supply shortage amid El Niño
“The DA-BFAR is encouraging fisherfolk to have good aquaculture practices like having the appropriate stock or number of fingerlings in their cages so they won’t lack oxygen, thus lessening the probability of fish kill occurrence,” he said.
The head of DA-BFAR reaffirmed that their agency had implemented measures to enhance aquaculture production in preparation for the upcoming El Niño.
“The strategies include intensifying information, education, and communication campaigns among fish farmers; boosting production of fish farming in cages in the mariculture parks; and ensuring sufficiency of fry and fingerlings,” he said.
In addition, Escoto emphasized that the DA-BFAR will continue to monitor algae blooms and provide technical assistance on fish disease detection and treatment to ensure a sustainable supply.
The agency also reported that fish prices in local markets remain steady, with bangus priced at P120 to P160 per kilo, tilapia ranging from P130 to P150 per kilo, and local-fresh galunggong at P200 per kilo, according to its latest price monitoring report.
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