BFAR to probe Romblon fish deaths before blaming El Niño

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Romblon announced plans to investigate reports of fish deaths that have occurred along several coastal areas in Odiongan town in recent days, cautioning against early conclusions about the cause.

The BFAR statement contradicts an initial assessment by the Odiongan Municipal Agriculture Office, which had linked the fish kill incidents to the El Niño phenomenon. BFAR officials said more data and fieldwork would be needed before determining whether weather patterns played a role in the deaths.

The investigation will likely examine other potential factors affecting the coastal ecosystem, including water quality, temperature fluctuations, disease, and possible pollution. Such comprehensive assessment is standard protocol when multiple fish deaths are reported in a localized area.

Odiongan, a coastal municipality in Romblon province, has experienced similar incidents in the past. Authorities are urging residents and fisherfolk to report any additional instances of unusual fish mortality to facilitate the ongoing investigation.