BFAR Braces for El Niño: Key Points from Recent News
Recent news reports show that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is preparing for the possible impact of El Niño. Here are the latest updates on this topic:
– LGUs have been advised to prepare for a strong El Niño. BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona emphasized the need for local government units (LGUs) to have contingency plans to ensure sufficient water supply for the fishery sector. This includes identifying alternative sources of water and tapping other agencies for assistance.
– However, according to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Administrator Reynaldo Velasco, there will be no water shortage due to El Niño. In a recent interview, Velasco stated that the current water supply is adequate to meet the needs of the population. He added that the MWSS has contingency plans in place to address any possible disruptions.
– El Niño may have different impacts on different types of fish. According to BFAR, El Niño can be beneficial for tuna fishing, as it can drive tuna to spawn in specific locations. However, it may have a negative impact on bangus (milkfish) farming, as the warmer waters can lead to fish mortality and disease outbreaks.
Overall, it is clear that BFAR and other agencies are taking El Niño seriously and are actively preparing for any possible impact on the fishery sector. While the precise effects of El Niño remain uncertain, it is important for all stakeholders to be ready and to work together to ensure the sustainability of this vital industry.