El Niño linked to fish kill in parts of Odiongan, Romblon

CALAPAN CITY — A fish kill episode has been reported along parts of the coastline of Odiongan, with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) linking it to the extreme heat and rising seawater temperatures associated with the ongoing El Niño.

Dally Jean Florendo of the Odiongan MAO said affected areas include Barangay Canduyong and portions of Barangays Libertad and Gabawan, according to a report from the Philippine Information Agency in Romblon on Wednesday (Oct.  7).

READ: Fisher rescued after motorboat sinks off Romblon

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The MAO said marine organisms and fish in shallow coastal waters could be vulnerable when seawater temperatures rise, particularly during low tide around midday when shallow areas are exposed to intense heat.

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The unusually warm conditions may also be forcing fish to move away from shallow coastal waters, prompting small-scale and marginal fisherfolk to travel farther offshore to find fishing grounds.

The situation could affect more than 2,000 registered fisherfolk and about 50 backyard fishpond operators in Odiongan, particularly as dry conditions persist, according to the MAO.

The agency has urged affected communities to remain alert to changes in coastal and marine conditions as temperatures continue to rise.

The fish kill comes as parts of the country, including the Mimaropa region, continue to experience the effects of El Niño, which can bring prolonged heat and dry conditions that affect agriculture and fisheries. /jpv