Millions of pesos were lost by the bangus industry in Dagupan City on Tuesday following strong winds and rain brought about by typhoon Mina, aggravated by high tide.

Thousands of bangus were reportedly lost after these escaped   to  the sea when their  fish pens collapsed, according to city agriculturist Emma Molina.

Barangays Bonuan Binloc, Bonuan Gueset at the Sabangan area and along Pantal in the Dawel portion were the worst hit, Molina told The PUNCH.

Fifteen fish pen operators were affected, many of whom were constrained to prematurely harvest their bangus originally being cultivated in time for the Christmas season.

The sudden surge of supply in the market brought down bangus prices in the market to as low as P35 to P40 per kilogram from the normal P75, Molina said.

During the Christmas season, bangus prices can go up to as high as P110 per kilogram.

Marginal fishermen, meanwhile, took advantage of the opportunity to catch the bangus  found in the rivers towards the sea. 

“The expected income of the operators went to the marginal fishermen who used gill nets to catch the bangus,” Molina said.

Meanwhile, fishponds were spared from nature’s fury but Molina said they are validating reports that some owners also harvested prematurely.#