Consecutive reports of "fish kill" incidents were received by the local government of Buhi and the Buhi Lake Development Office on November 19, 2023.

"Kapag makusog ang uran, dakol na maray ang rainwater, malipot iyan na maray, nagbababa. Nakukua niya itong space duman sa irarom. Itong mainit na tubig sa irarom, which is hababa ang dissolved oxygen, nag-itaas ito, napapalitan kaitong cold water an hali sa uran," said Ariel Pioquinto, MM Regional Director of BFAR Bicol.

Initial data from the Buhi Lake Development Office revealed that 43 fish cage operators from three barangays have been affected by the fish kill, resulting in approximately P3 million in damages.

"Mayo na man kaming maginibo ta garadan na su iba. Mahanap naman kung anong – palihis-lihis na munang pirang bulan bago maglaog naman," said Oriel Machado, a fish cage operator.

Mark Nazarrea, Information Officer of Buhi, advised, "If ever man na pwede nang i-harvest 'yung mga tilapia market size or kahit below market size, just to be safe, kung pwede nang i-harvest, i-harvest na po 'yung mga tilapia natin."

In response to the incident, the selling price of tilapia, initially set at P100 per kilo, has plummeted to P50 per kilo.

Noemi Palado, an affected local seller, said that it's better to have income than none at all, "Para maging centavo pa. Kaysa sa dae na maging centavo, dawa dikit lang."

The reduction in the price of tilapia has also attracted buyers like Ramon Dimaiwat, who commented, "Nabaretaan mi kaya na arog kayan, tibaad niyako makaburubarato." 

BFAR Bicol recommends limiting fish cage operations to 10 percent of the total area of Lake Buhi. However, challenges persist as many continue to operate on the lake. The local government is seeking additional solutions actively to curb the overstocking of tilapia in Lake Buhi.