50 tons of tilapia lost as fishkills hit Lake Sebu, Philippines

COTABATO, Philippines (Xinhua) -- Around 49 metric tons of fish have been found floating dead in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato province.

The local Tilapia fish, in 50 cages, was valued at 3.8 million pesos, said Rex Vagas, provincial fishery coordinator. He said 46.5 tons of Tilapia were found dead last Friday and 2.5 tons on Monday.

He attributed the massive death of fish to "annual occurrence," which locals call "kamahong" when water temperature rises during this period.

"We ask consumers to avoid buying and eating Tilapia fish from Lake Sebu until further notice from us," Vargas said.

Rogelio Aturdido, a provincial health officer, said eating dead Tilapia fish might cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.

The provincial agriculture office said the oxygen level in Lake Sebu had been depleted because of overstocking and water pollution, probably from fish feeds. Read More