Cavite City, Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has determined that the recent massive fish kill in Cañacao Bay, Cavite City, was due to an algal bloom.
According to Philippines News Agency, BFAR Information and Fisherfolk Coordination Unit head and spokesperson Nazario Briguera, this natural phenomenon occurs when water micronutrients increase, leading to a rise in microalgae and subsequent depletion of dissolved oxygen essential for fish.
During an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, Briguera explained that the unpredictability of algal blooms, both in their occurrence and duration, makes it challenging to prevent such incidents. The best course of action, he suggested, is continuous monitoring of water quality to anticipate and manage these events.
Briguera emphasized that the fish kill, which predominantly affected blackchin tilapia, will not have a significant impact on the wider fishing industry or the fishing activities in Manila Bay. He clarified that these were not farmed tilapia and they hold limited commercial value. Therefore, fishermen in Manila Bay can continue their activities as usual, with the issue confined to Cañacao Bay.
He also reassured that the risk of the fish kill spreading to nearby areas is low, as algal blooms are caused by natural factors like abrupt changes in temperature rather than water pollution.
The incident led to the collection of over 200 sacks of dead fish in Cañacao Bay and resulted in discomfort for local families due to the foul odor, which interfered with their daily routines, including eating and sleeping. In response, some families evacuated the area.
Briguera concluded by stating that BFAR will continue to provide necessary technical assistance and highlighted the prompt response of the local government unit to assist affected families.