BFAR says at least P5.2 million lost in Buhi Lake fish kill
LEGAZPI CITY—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday (Oct. 30) said the estimated loss in a fish kill in Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur province linked to Typhoon “Quinta” (International name Molave) has reached P52 million.
The Buhi Lake Development Authority (BLDA) report cited by the BFAR said the fish kill hit at least 18 fish cage operators who lost at least 50.2 metric tons of tilapia.
Nonie Enolva, BFAR Bicol spokesperson, said the fish kill was caused by “seiches” or waves whipped up by gusty winds from Quinta when it made landfall in Camarines Sur on Oct. 26.
Enolva, in a phone interview, said losses were being counted in the villages of Iraya, Ebayugan, Tambo, Cabatoan, Salvacion and Sta. Elena in Buhi town.
Enolva said water quality test conducted by fishery technicians indicated that the lake’s dissolved oxygen level had dropped and levels of ammonia nitrogen, from feeds, had gone up most probably because of the seiche. Tons of tilapia drowned as a result, she said.
The 1,800-hectare lake in Buhi town supplies the fish needs of the four mainland Bicol provinces of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon and also the National Capital Region (NCR).
