Cold weather affects fish harvest
A DECREASE in fish supply is expected due to the prevailing cold weather, which affects the growth of fish in either salt or fresh water.
Dr. Westly Rosario, chief of the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Center based in Dagupan City, said fish seldom eat when the temperature is low, thus harvests are thinner and lower in weight.
Underwater plants are also affected by the cold weather.
Further, fish often stop laying eggs when it is cold, according to Rosario.
He cited bangus as an example, which have stopped stops laying eggs as early as November last year. It will resume laying eggs in March when the water gets warmer.
Eggs that are laid in this season usually have stunted development, Rosario added.
Fresh water prawns normally take 35 days to develop into fingerlings, but could take as long as 60 days under cold weather conditions.
The mortality rate of fingerlings is also high during cold weather due to stress caused by the cold temperature.
The fish, at the same time, are prone to diseases such as fungus.
ADVICE TO FARMERS
Rosario advised fish farmers to observe the proper stocking density of fish to prevent further stress during their growth period.
He said they must also avoid feeding the fish in the early mornings, and instead move it to around 10 a.m. when the water in the ponds, pens and cages is already getting warmer.–LM
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