By Freddie C. Velez
Obando, Bulacan – A fish kill along the coast of this town alarmed residents last Sunday, prompting Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado to remind residents yesterday to care for the environment.
“Let us protect the rivers for future generations,” said Alvarado, who was disappointed at the news of the fish kill.
He called on local officials to ensure that none of the dead fish makes its way to the markets.
The governor cited the warning issued by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 3 Director Willy Cruz to avoid eating fish with a bad smell.
As of press time yesterday afternoon, the BFAR was still conducting its water quality investigation and interviewing local fishermen to find out what might have triggered the fish kill.
Initially, BFAR sources who declined to be identified theorized that the effects of climate change and the earthquake last Saturday might have contributed to the fish kill.
For his part, Alvarado said he believes that residents and industries that build their homes by the riverside and coastal areas have to help protect these natural bodies of water against toxic materials and pollution.