BFAR to probe high bangus prices

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will look into the high prices of bangus (milkfish) in the market as well as the possible manipulation of galunggong (mackerel scad) prices by some traders.

According to a report by Bernadette Reyes on Balitanghali Wednesday, the suggested retail price (SRP) for bangus is P150 per kilo, but in the Tandang Sora Market in Quezon City, prices range from P190 to P200 per kilo.

Undersecretary Eduardo Gongona, National Director of BFAR, said that recent fish kills—defined by the BFAR as the "sudden and significant" mortality of wild or cultured fish—should have only a small effect on the supply and price of bangus. He also said that they are studying the procurement of bangus from other places, while taking transportation costs into consideration.

Meanwhile, the price of galunggong is currently stable due to the arrival of the earlier reported imports. 

However, the report noted that some traders may have been manipulating prices, as the price of the locally produced fish had declined before the imports arrived. In Tandang Sora Market, galunggong costs P180 per kilo.

Meanwhile, to prevent fish kills in the future, fish cages should be rehabilitated, the report said.

In the next days, BFAR will monitor the markets to ensure that the SRP for the fish is being followed.

As the Christmas season approaches, fish prices are expected to rise, according to a separate report by Bam Alegre in Balitanghali on Wednesday.

"Mga ganitong season talagang tumataas talaga ang presyo. Alam na ng mga mamimili kung may fish kill o ano," said vendor Susan Villarosa.

Fish kill was recorded in more than 100 of fish cages in Taal Lake in Batangas, equating to a loss of 60 tons of fish worth P4.7 million, the BFAR said.

An investigation into the fish kill is ongoing, with overstocking and sulfur contamination from the volcano considered among the causes.

Currently, the price of tilapia in Kamuning Market is P100 per kilo, while bangus goes for P160-P180 per kilo, hito (catfish) for P140 per kilo, and shrimp for P360 per kilo, the report said. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News