BFAR tells LGUs: Dismantle fish cages and pens
RED TIDE ATTACK
FISH growers in red-tide affected areas in Anda and Bolinao have been warned of more serious consequences by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) if they do not immediately clear river passageways of contraptions that prevent free natural flow of water to the sea flush out nutrients that aggravate the situation.
Dr. Westly Rosario, BFAR chief, recalled a massive fish kill in Anda and Bolinao in 2001 due to red tide.
He warned that once an area has been affected by red tide toxin, there is a great possibility it would recur in the same area.
Last week, BFAR issued a warning anew that the coastal waters of Anda and Bolinao are positive of red tide toxin based on laboratory tests conducted.
“Red tide organism is a unicellular plant, microscopic and can’t be seen by the naked eye. As a plant, it is conducive to warm temperature for growth of such organism,” he said.
He cited the presence of nutrients as another factor that multiplies the red tide organism in Anda and Bolinao and these he said are found where there are fish cages and pens.
“Organic matters from aquaculture activities provide nutrients for the growth of red tide organisms,” he said.
“Nutrients are already there, sunlight is there, water salinity also which are conducive for the organisms to multiply,” he said.
Rosario advised that unless the nutrients are flushed out to the sea, the red tide problem will keep recurring.
He said local government units’ should act immediately in clearing the river passageway by dismantling structures that impede water flow. (Tita Roces)
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