The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Ilocos Norte has advised fish cage operators to harvest early to avoid any fish kill due to rising temperatures.

Vanessa Abegail Dagdagan, senior aquaculturist of BFAR, said in an interview on Friday that since last week, several raisers of tilapia, bangus (milkfish) and malaga in the coastal towns of Currimao, Paoay and this city have noted several fish kill incidents as the heat index according to the weather bureau has reached the “danger” level of 42-51 degrees Celsius.

As a mitigating measure, Dagdagan said “force harvesting” may be implemented.

“To prevent further losses, our fish cage operators may harvest early para mapakinabangan pa nila ang mga isda (so their fish won’t go to waste),” said Dagdagan.

Government data shows Ilocos Norte has a total of 1,011 freshwater fish cage operators covering an area of more than 14 hectares with a production volume of 188.743 metric tons.

To ensure enough food supply, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is urging fisherfolk to maintain good aquaculture practices like having the appropriate stock or number of fingerlings in their cages so they will not lack oxygen and lessen the probability of a fish kill.

The agency is also closely monitoring algae bloom for possible red tide occurrence and providing technical assistance on fish disease detection and treatment, among others.

The supply and prices of fish in local markets remained stable as of this posting.

Based on the latest price monitoring report, bangus price is pegged at PHP135-PHP180 per kilo, while the price of tilapia ranges from PHP130 to PHP150 per kilo. Local-fresh galunggong is sold at PHP200 per kilo. (PNA)