The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) said it will distribute tilapia fingerlings to at least 168 fish-cage operators in Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur province.
The fish-cage operators were affected by the fish kill caused by Typhoon Karen (international code name Sarika), which exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday.
“The agency will distribute tilapia fingerlings to affected fish-cage operators around the first or second quarter next year, as soon as the aquaculture in Lake Buhi is favorable again,” BFAR-5 Fisheries Management Section chief Nonie Enolva told reporters.
Based on anecdotal accounts of fish operators, Enolva said the total loss incurred by Camarines Sur-based operators could reach more than P100 million.
According to a Bfar report sent to reporters, four barangays in Buhi, Camarines Sur, were affected by the fish kill. Fish-cage operators in Barangay Tambo alone had a consolidated loss of P8.07 million as of October 19, according to the Bfar. The report also noted that at least 50 metric tons (MT) of tilapia valued at P4 million were damaged on October 15 and 16.
“Typhoon Karen generated seiches [inland water waves] and could possibly caused upwelling resulting to low level of dissolved oxygen,” the Bfar said.
“The Bfar-5 team conducted water physio-chemical parameters on October 16, soon after the typhoon and results showed a compromised level of dissolved oxygen ranging from sublethal to normal,” the agency added. The regional office of the Bfar has recommended to Buhi Mayor Margie M. Aguinillo measures on how to address the fish-kill incident, including the temporary prohibition of restocking of all cages and cleanup of sediments and water hyacinth.
“Conduct regular flushing of water, especially during rainy season, to minimize buildup of sediments and nutrients, and improve water circulation,” the Bfar said.
“Set limit on the number of fish cages to be installed/owned per operator and impose compliance to reportorial requirements on production based on Section 109 of Republic Act 10654,” it added.
Enolva said they are continuously coordinating with the local governments of Camarines Sur to come up with a final report of the fish- kill incident.