The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has found that the part of the Manila Bay where several kilos of dead fish were found floating has "very low level of dissolved oxygen."
According to Manila public information office (PIO), BFAR Executive Director Eduardo Gongona said that the water quality in Baseco "indicated very low level of dissolved oxygen (DO) at 0.11 mg/L." The acceptable level for marine waters is 5 mg/L, he added.
The discovery came after BFAR conducted an initial water quality analysis and collection of fish samples in different sampling sites of the Manila Bay, particularly along Baseco Beach, Pasig River Mouth, Barge Docking, and Aplaya.
"The composite team of Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Central Office and National Capital Region conducted an investigation and collected water samples for laboratory analysis on September 16, 2020 following a report of fish mortalities of around 10 kilograms in Manila Bay, specifically within the vicinity of Baseco, Tondo, Manila," the PIO said, citing report from Gongona.
BFAR said that while consuming fish which have died due to dissolved oxygen depletion is not entirely harmful, it is still reminding the public to be cautious in consuming dead fish and other species from the area "to prevent possible harm to human health."
The agency expressed concern "especially if these fishes have already shown signs of decomposition like bloatedness, disintegration of parts, and foul smell, among others."
"Only those captured fresh and alive are fit for consumption, provided that they are thoroughly washed and cooked," it said.
BFAR also suggested that a proper disposal of dead fishes and cleaning of the affected area be done to improve the water quality in the area.
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