A fish kill, known locally as "gataw," has affected several fish ponds in Dagupan City anew and drove prices up in local markets as fish growers race to protect remaining stocks.

Videos taken in Barangay Lucao showed dead milkfish floating in one of the fish ponds affected. Fish growers said the fish kill was triggered by changing weather conditions, with intense heat followed by heavy rains.

Milkfish grower Christian Magos said they have already lost a number of fish, although they are continuing to care for the remaining stock, which is scheduled for harvest in September 2026.

“Marami silang namatay. Umpisa pa lang kasi namin ito. Ganun lang, pakain lang saka makaka-survive din naman sila,” he said.

Fishery expert, Dr. Westly Rosario, said sudden changes in weather can alter water temperature, salinity, and overall water quality, creating stressful conditions for fish.

“‘Pag namatay ’yan (mga isda), nabubulok, nadi-decompose at kumakain din ng oxygen. Kalaban ng mga alaga nating isda,” Rosario said.

He added that not only milkfish but also other species, including tilapia, may experience fish kills during unstable weather.

The lower supply has pushed up milkfish prices at the Magsaysay Fish Market in Dagupan City. Milkfish now sells for P200 to P220 per kilogram.

Fish vendor Flora Fe Cerezo said the reduced supply has affected prices.

“Konti na ’yung bangus dito sa atin. Maliban lang sa ibang lugar kung magbibigay sila, maaapektuhan ulit ang presyo dito,” she said.

Engr. Rosendo So, chairperson of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), said the current retail prices are within the expected range.

“Ang price more or less, sa farmgate ay nasa P150. So, ang retail siguro sa market ay dapat nasa P200-P210. Sa other area, umaabot ng P220-P225,” he said.

Despite the fish kill incidents, SINAG said the overall supply of milkfish remains stable and is not expected to be significantly affected.