Bangus or milkfish growers are facing challenges as the number of molmol tilapia in their fishponds continues to rise in Barangay Maasin, Mangaldan, Pangasinan.

This problem has persisted for nearly two months since they introduced bangus fingerlings into their ponds.

Regular monitoring of their bangus stock showed the growing presence of molmol tilapia, which competes for food and increases the cost of feeds. 

“Kapag nakakapasok na ‘yung mga similya sa loob, lumalaki na rin ang molmol… Imbes bangus lang ang pakainin namin pati molmol kumakain,” Jun Lambino, a bangus grower, said.

Lambino said the increase in molmol tilapia could potentially lead to financial losses for fish growers if not addressed.

In response, growers have installed nets around their ponds to keep the pests out, but the problem persists as many still manage to get in.

Aside from using nets, the ponds need to be cleaned thoroughly before introducing new fingerlings. 

Authorities said using chemicals to eradicate the pests is not an option, as it could harm the bangus, as well.

“Prevention lang talaga tayo, kasi kung may chemical [ay] mamamatay pati [‘yung] mga bangus kaya dapat i-monitor palagi ang mga nets sa palaisdaan,” Merle Cuison-Sali, the Municipal Agriculturist of Mangaldan, said.

The Municipal Agriculture Office said molmol tilapia can still be sold in the market, albeit at a lower price compared to regular tilapia. 

The fish is safe to eat reportedly as long as it is cooked properly.