Exec sees P52M in losses in fish kill in Camarines Sur lake

BATO, Camarines Sur—The fish cage industry in Lake Bato suffered an estimated loss of at least P52 million in a fish kill affecting about 70 percent of 18,770 fish cages in the lake, according to municipal agriculture officials.

Alejandro Pili, agriculture officer, said in an interview here that the fish kill started on May 7 and he believed it was triggered by a downpour that sent decaying plankton to the bottom of the lake, reducing oxygen levels.

The amount of loss suffered by the fish cages, which stock tilapia, could be P52 million, he said.

The 2,810-hectare Lake Bato is surrounded by three villages in Libon town, Albay province, and 16 villages in this town. Juan Escandor Jr., Inquirer Southern Luzon