Fish cage operators can now resume feeding their fish stocks in Taal Lake as the government said water quality has improved.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar, citing tests from January 14 to 30 conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), said the level of dissolved oxygen in Taal Lake, which is essential for fish growth and survival, has improved.
BFAR Calabarzon director Sammy Malvas said water quality tests in Taal also showed normal sulfide level.
But Malvas advised fish cage owners not to overfeed the fish, mostly tilapia and bangus, to avoid accumulation of ammonia in the lake.
He said tests on tilapia samples from Taal Lake compared with those from the National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center in Munoz, Nueva Ecija indicated ash and sulfur have minimal effect on the fish.
Malvas said BFAR will continue to conduct water quality monitoring to ensure fish cage operators are properly advised and provided technical assistance.
