BFAR: “Sardines phenomenon” not link to looming disaster

CEBU, Philippines — An official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-7 dispels speculations of a looming calamity following a “sardines phenomenon” experienced by the residents of Barangay Basdiot in the southwestern town of Moalboal, Cebu over the weekend.

A school of fish locally known as “toloy” flocked the shores, drawing locals to the beach to catch them. A video of the phenomenon quickly went viral on social media and has drawn speculations of a possible calamity to come.

BFAR-7 spokesperson Johann Tejada said the incident was a natural occurrence and has no scientific proof that it is link to a looming disaster. Tejada said there are several factors that drive small fishes closer to the shore and one of them is to avoid predators.

“Naa juy possibility, syempre mahadlok man tong lain nga mobalik napud didto, they remain lang sa shallow area,” said Tejada.

It could also be due to a change in the water temperature which influenced fish movements.

Tejada, however, explained that while climate change could potentially influence fish movements, a detailed study of the ocean’s physical and chemical properties is necessary to back up the theory otherwise it remains a speculation.

“Ang isa pud ka indicator ani is meaning nanaghan ang isda. So karon makapahimulos gani ang coastal communities ani,” said Tejada.

“At least ang atong community is aware nga atong population sa isda diha sa Tanon Strait is nagka daghan na and they should be happy about it,” he added.

According to Tejada, BFAR previously enforced a closed fishing season from November 15 to February 15 in the Visayan Sea – a productive fishing ground shared by Regions 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Tejada noted that the closed season’s initiative has contributed to the increase in fish populations along the Tañon Strait, where Moalboal is located, which benefited local communities with abundance of fishes.

In fact, the government has already announced that a fishing ban will again be enforced on Visayan Sea starting November 15 until February 15 to allow sardines and herrings to repopulate in the area. — (FREEMAN)