Massive fishkill strikes Zambales bangus cages

MASINLOC, Zambales — A massive fishkill has struck fishcages in the Masinloc and Oyon Bays here, killing millions of bangus (milkfish) stocks. Experts said worms from the dead fish have been washed ashore, worsening the pollution of the municipal waters.

The Federation of Small Fisherfolk of Masinloc and Palauig (FSFMP) reported the fishkill to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which, in turn, sent its experts to examine the waters of the two bays which have turned murky.

Fisherfolk have blamed the bays’ pollution on the fishcages, allegedly owned by influential businessmen, which have sprouted in 12,400 square meters of Masinloc waters, mostly in areas classified as marine reservations.

The FSFMP said millions of milkfish were reported to have died in fishcages owned by a company and two individuals who are said to be exporting their harvest to Taiwan and China.

Divers of the DENR found the waters surrounding many of the fishcages in Oyon and Masinloc Bays to be polluted. They also observed worms to have been washed ashore.

Last Monday, the provincial board passed a resolution asking the DENR to investigate the alleged pollution coming from the fishcages which, some quarters said, are all illegal since they lack permits from the DENR.

The resolution now awaits the signature of Gov. Vic Magsaysay.