DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 1 clarified on Friday that there have been no recent fish kill incidents in Western Pangasinan, contrary to reports in a national newspaper.

Mary Ann Salomon, provincial fishery officer of BFAR-Pangasinan, said the agency’s latest monitoring of aquaculture zones found no evidence to support the claims.

"We even spoke with Mr. Ronald Eugenio, the aquaculture operator mentioned in the report," Salomon explained.

"He confirmed that he did not make any statements about a fish kill in Pangasinan," she told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in an interview.

Salomon emphasized the importance of accurate reporting to avoid jeopardizing the vital fish production industry, which is essential for the country's food security.

"While extreme heat and rain can contribute to fish kills, other factors like overcrowding, overfeeding, low oxygen levels, and sudden water temperature changes are also typically at play,” Salomon clarified.

She also encouraged fish farmers to adopt responsible practices to minimize aquatic pollution and boost productivity. These practices include:

• Regularly removing accumulated waste from mariculture farms.
• Avoiding new fish pen installations.
• Eliminating pole staking for fish/shellfish farming and fishing to prevent water flow obstruction.
• Following recommended distances for aquaculture and fishing structures through zonation plans.
• Practicing optimal stocking densities, using high-quality feed, and implementing proper feeding practices.
• Maintaining effective waste management strategies.
• Implementing "fallow periods" in fish cage operations.

Salomon reassured the public that BFAR is constantly monitoring the province's mariculture areas through water quality testing and parameter checks.

Salomon reminded fish farmers to register their farms with the BFAR Regional Fisheries Office 1 by sending a letter of intent to bfarrfo1_records@yahoo.com, addressed to Regional Director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan. (JCR/AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)