Low level of dissolved oxygen caused 10 kilos of fish to float near Baseco

September 18, 2020

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the low level of dissolved oxygen caused the death of around 10 kilos of fish in Manila Bay on Tuesday.

BFAR Executive Director Eduardo Gongona said water quality and microbial analysis was conducted on Wednesday following the reported fish mortality in Manila Bay, specifically within the vicinity of Baseco, Tondo.

"An initial water quality analysis and collection of fish samples for microbiological analysis were conducted at four sampling sites: Baseco Beach Area, Pasig River Mouth Area, Barge Docking Area, and  Aplaya Area," he said.

"The result of the water quality testing in the Baseco Area indicated very low level of dissolved oxygen (DO) at 0.11 mg/L. The acceptable level for marine waters is 5 mg/L," Gongona noted.

"While consuming fish which have died due to dissolved oxygen depletion is not entirely harmful, the Bureau still cautions the public against consumption of dead fish and other species from the area to prevent possible harm to human health, especially if these fishes have already shown signs of decomposition like bloatedness, disintegration of parts, and foul smell among others" he added.

Gongona said around 10 kilos of fish were found floating by the residents near the bay last Tuesday.

"Based on the report, at 5 in the morning on September 15, 2020, residents found fishes such as biya, kanduli, asohos, and tilapia gasping for air following a heavy rainfall, which lasted almost a day," he said. Robina Asido/DMS