PCG, BFAR probe fish kill in Pililla waters

Dead fish are seen floating in the waters of Laguna de Bay off Pililla town in Rizal province on July 21, 2026. — CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

LUCENA CITY — Fish kill that was reported in the waters of Laguna de Bay off Pililla town in Rizal province on July 21 could have been triggered by algal growth and decomposition, elevated water temperature, and limited wind or water circulation, according to initial observations made by the Philippine Coast Guard which conducted an on-site assessment on Wednesday (July 22) in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

“These conditions may have reduced dissolved oxygen levels in the water, adversely affecting aquatic life,” according to a report from the Coast Guard Sub-Station in Pililla.

The joint operation aimed to determine the extent of the affected area and gather field data to support the ongoing technical assessment being conducted by BFAR-Rizal.

READ: LLDA probes Laguna de Bay fish kill

The report describes these observations as preliminary and remain subject to BFAR’s technical evaluation.

The joint team deployed a drone to document the affected waters and identify environmental conditions that may have contributed to the fish kill.

Citing accounts from local fisherfolk, the Coast Guard said floating dead fish were first observed in sections of Pillila waters on July 21.

The affected species were predominantly bighead carp and bangus (milkfish).

Fisherfolk also reported noticeable changes in the appearance of the water and expressed concern over the incident’s impact on their livelihoods.

The PCG said the incident has been reported to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) for monitoring and appropriate action. /das