Some tawilis removed from Taal Lake for conservation

Due to the recent seismic activities of Taal Volcano, some tawilis or freshwater sardines were removed from their habitat in Taal Lake and taken to a facility for conservation, according to a report on GMA News' Unang Balita on Tuesday.

The tawilis are currently housed at the University of the Philippines - Los Baños Limnological Station in Laguna.

The conservation project was funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agricultural Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.

The move is considered a breakthrough since the tawilis remained alive after they were removed from Taal Lake, contrary to previous efforts wherein the fish died after they were taken from their habitat or while in transit.

Taal Lake's tawilis, the only freshwater sardine in the world, is considered endangered based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List (IUCN).

Taal Volcano showed increased tremor activities recently, prompting the forced evacuation of residents found staying on Taal Volcano Island. —KG, GMA News