Rising temperatures are putting pressure on milkfish farms in Dagupan City, with growers taking extra steps to prevent fish kills as the dry season intensifies.

Fish farmer Juanito Dela Cruz has tightened monitoring of his ponds amid the heat, which can lower water levels and reduce oxygen supply, conditions that can be fatal to bangus.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said coastal conditions contribute to higher heat index levels in the area.

“Kasi malapit tayo sa dagat sa Dagupan so isama natin ‘yung air temperature na napupunta sa kalupaan… kaya nagkakaroon tayo ng mataas na heat index,” Engr. Jose Estrada Jr., chief meteorological officer of PAGASA’s Dagupan station, said.

In February, some bangus growers in the city reported incidents of “gataw,” where fish rise to the surface due to lack of oxygen.

Growers said they are trying to avoid a repeat of the problem this month by preparing equipment and watching pond conditions closely.

“Pag mababa ang tubig tas iinit lalo na kung uulan, tumatangok ang bangus namin. Kaya may water pump ako diyan na dalawa. Pag may tangok, paandarin ko lang ’yun, wala na,” Dela Cruz said.

Agriculture group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said the heat is already affecting fish production not only in Pangasinan but also in other parts of Luzon.

“Sa ngayon ‘yung init eh apektado na doon sa production nila so expected na lalong mamomroblema (sila),” SINAG chairperson Rosendo So said.

Supply has slightly declined, pushing prices higher in local markets.

“Medyo mataas ngayon, kung makikita natin sa palengke halos umabot ng 200 [pesos] plus na. So expected na tumataas na talaga,” So added.

Dagupan City is known for its bangus industry, and producers said sustained high temperatures could further impact output and prices if conditions persist.