Batac fish farm water below critical level

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

BATAC CITY—The government-run fish farm’s water level here, the source of major fingerlings production and dispersal for the entire province of Ilocos Norte, has reached below critical level as the hot summer weather continues to scorch Luzon.

According to Arthur Valente, fishery regulatory coordinator of the Provincial Agriculture Office, almost all ponds being maintained in the area were already drained except for two productive ponds, being pumped with water every day to sustain fingerlings production here.

Compared to previous years, Mr. Valente observed that the 10-hectare fish farm located at Brgy. Billoca has reached below critical water level earlier than expected this summer.  

At present, the Provincial Agriculture Office is ready to dispose at least 300,000 fingerlings remaining at the 7,000 square meter-production areas to avoid further losses due to increasing temperature affecting the fish farm.

Early on, he said at least 100,000 fingerlings were disposed to fish farmers mostly from Laoag City and towns of the second district of Ilocos Norte.