Erratic Weather Threatens Milkfish Production in Pangasinan
Erratic weather harmful to Pangasinan ‘bangus’
Image: Inquirer
Erratic weather patterns in Pangasinan, Philippines, are harming milkfish (bangus) farming, causing fish to gasp for air due to low oxygen levels. Operators are forced to harvest early, leading to financial losses as prices drop below production costs. The situation is exacerbated by the onset of El Niño.
- 01Fishpond operators in Binmaley, Lingayen, and Bugallon are experiencing 'gataw', where fish gasp for air due to low oxygen levels after rains.
- 02Aerators are essential in aquaculture to prevent fish kills, but many farmers are facing challenges due to erratic weather.
- 03Fish affected by gataw are sold at lower prices, between P90 to P120 per kilo, which is below the production cost of P130 to P150 per kilo.
- 04The recent rains have disrupted thermal stratification in fishponds, worsening oxygen depletion.
- 05With a strong El Niño expected from June to August, farmers are preparing for further challenges in milkfish production.
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In Binmaley, Pangasinan, erratic weather has severely impacted milkfish (bangus) farming, leading to a phenomenon known as 'gataw', where fish struggle for oxygen after rain disrupts water temperatures. Joebert Correa, a local fishpond owner, successfully saved his fish by using an aerator, but many others faced significant losses. The towns of Binmaley, Lingayen, and Bugallon have reported widespread occurrences of gataw, forcing operators to harvest their fish prematurely. Ronald Eugenio, a fish cage operator, explained that rain after hot weather can cause warm, oxygen-poor water to rise, leading to fish deaths without proper aeration. As the rainy season approaches, farmers are concerned about the impact of a strong El Niño expected to occur from June to August. Fish affected by gataw can be sold, but at reduced prices, causing financial strain on farmers as they sell below production costs.
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The erratic weather is causing significant financial losses for local fishpond operators in Pangasinan.
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