“Operators and caretakers must observe the proper management of fishponds or fish cages and should avoid overstocking of fishes this summer months,” regional director Jovita Ayson said.
She added that the recommended stock rate for fishpond is three to five pieces per square meter under semi-intensive culture management. For fish cage, “we recommend 20 pieces fingerlings per cubic meter for closed water systems while 30 pieces for open water systems,” Ayson told fisherfolk.
She also discouraged fish farmers against overfeeding of stocks. “The unconsumed feeds stocked at the bottom of the pond and caused oxygen depletion in the water, resulting to the possible incidence of fish kill,” she explained.
“If operators observe decrease in dissolve oxygen level and stocks show unusual behavior, fish farmers should immediately conduct total harvest to prevent further losses,” the director advised.
Meanwhile, BFAR is inviting fish cage operators and caretakers to participate in the ‘Tipalia Congress’ on May 30 at the Magat dam area in Ramon town to be updated on the latest technologies on tilapia culture.
