Manila, Philippines-After the incessant release on the hottest news related to oil spill, typhoon and red tide from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the prevalent fall of weather in the country also stretches its effect to the growth and reduction of fish. This information was disseminated to awaken fish and fishery consumers that cases have been recorded in different areas primarily in Dagupan, Pangasinan, other parts of Northern Luzon and Mindanao.

Apart from the recent fish kills in Talisay, Batangas due to sulfur upwelling, fishermen are now bedazzled on the possible impact of the current weather condition as it slowly declines below 20°C. Species of Tilapia and Milkfish (Chanos chanos) are threatened since they require warmer environment to grow and spawn. Warm fishes require temperature ranging from 18-22°C to survive and develop. These freshwater fishes are the prime fish sold in the market since they are easily nurtured and easy to propagate. The bureau also identified that tilapia and milkfish are becoming susceptible to diseases which could eventually lead to death.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA), over the course of the year, the country’s temperature typically varies from 33°C of the warm season which could rise up to 34°C while cold season temperature starts at 22°C and rarely falls down to 20°C and below. At present, the country’s capital temperature is already at 16.9°C, far from expected and was recorded as the lowest temperature of the nation that may continue until mid-summer.

Although many Filipinos are in favor of the cold weather, warm water fishes like tilapia and milkfish however are not vulnerable to it. Temperature plays a vital role in aquaculture fishes apart from oxygen, water, photoperiod and pond. This follows the environmental factors needed to raise fish culture with suitable living condition. A quick adaptation is needed to control losses and damages brought by this occurrence.

Furthermore, this phenomenon instigated shortage and great challenge mostly to the bureau to revive the damage causing millions of fingerlings and hatcheries to lose. As a fallback, they are at present studying how to adopt new technology used in other countries to help these freshwater species survive the current weather condition. One and all, citizens are praying for safety and adequate resources to stay alive.