The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has detected a slight drop in dissolved oxygen levels in the waters off Bolinao and Anda in Pangasinan.

Water tests conducted on January 10, 2025 found that oxygen levels have dropped to between 4.5 and 4.9 milligrams per liter, below the desirable 5 milligrams per liter.

“Kaunti lang naman po ang pagbaba kasi nasa level siya ng 4.5 to 4.9 milligrams per liter. Ang sinasabi natin dito ay mababa siya pero ang konsiderasyon natin ay hindi dapat matagal ang exposure,” Chief Aquaculturist Remely Lachica said.

The drop in dissolved oxygen is attributed to overfeeding, overstocking, and pollution in the bay areas.

While no fish kills have been reported, BFAR recommends emergency or forced harvesting in areas affected to prevent losses.

“Kung malalaki na po ang mga isda nila at marketable na po, sabi natin ‘yung emergency harvest o forced harvest gawin na nila para ma-ensure natin na hindi masayang ang pinagpaguran nila,” Lachica said.

BFAR plans to conduct another round of water testing at the end of January to monitor the situation.

Aldo Sibayan, President of the Samahang Magbabangus sa Pangasinan (SAMAPA), assured the public that fish farms remain in good condition and bangus, or milkfish, production is stable.

“Kausap ko ang iba’t ibang bangus producer sa province and kinukumusta ko ang stocking nila, and okay naman po,” Sibayan said.

Fish supply at the Magsaysay Fish Market continues to meet demand.