Fish growers in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte reported the sudden death of nearly 200 tilapia over the past week, raising concern among local fishpond operators as weather conditions continue to shift.

According to growers, the tilapia started dying last week. They said the deaths may be linked to the unstable weather, low water levels in the river, and the mixing of saltwater during high tide.

“Sa amin maraming namatay. ‘Yung tatlong araw nasa 176. Sa susunod na araw 30, 20, hanggang ngayon.” Jil Ramos, a fisherman, said.

The City Agriculture Office said fish deaths can happen during sudden weather changes, especially when the fish are still small and more vulnerable to temperature shifts.

City Fishery Coordinator Ligaya Barroga said some fish species cannot tolerate saltwater intrusion.

“May mga cases kagaya ngayon, pumapasok ‘yung alat. So may species na talagang hindi saline-tolerant,” Barroga added

Authorities advised fish growers to have their water quality tested before starting or continuing tilapia production to reduce losses and protect their stocks.