Bulacan fish kill won’t affect milkfish prices—BFAR

BELLY UP “Bangus” (milkfish) turn belly up at fishponds in Obando town, Bulacan province, due to sudden shift in weather last week. —EDWIN BACASMAS

The recent fish kill in Obando, Bulacan, that resulted in some 250 metric tons of milkfish stock losses will not have any significant impact on prices, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said on Friday.

The agency said milkfish prices remained stable in fish landing areas and public markets in Bulacan.

“It is also unlikely to cause a general surge in market prices, especially in Metro Manila, as Obando is not the only source of farmed fish in these areas,” the BFAR said.

The local government of Obando is coordinating with the BFAR on the proper disposal of the dead fish.

The agency will also be giving assistance to the 40 affected operators. According to the BFAR, extreme heat aggravated the high stocking rate—over the recommended 3,000 fish per hectare—being practiced by the operators.—KARL R. OCAMPO