A viral incident gained traction on social media over the past weekend, showcasing residents of Sarangani collectively harvesting live tamban along the shoreline. According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), this phenomenon is deemed “natural.”
In a statement made by BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera on Monday, he explained that during times when small pelagic fish, such as tamban, increase, there are various potential reasons. One of these is referred to as “upwelling,” where colder water from beneath the surface rises, causing the lifting of nutrients from the underwater environment. Briguera emphasized that these occurrences are natural, especially during the northeast monsoon season.
However, he also mentioned other factors such as “beaching.” “Yung beaching, kung saan dumadagsa sa mga baybayin yung isda. Posibleng hinahabol sila ng malalaking isda gaya ng predators, naitataboy sa mas mababaw na parte ng karagatan,” he added.
BFAR stated that the incident highlights the abundance of marine resources in that area. Briguera clarified that since the fish were alive, they were safe for consumption by the residents.
This event underscores the importance of environmental stewardship and the appreciation of marine wealth. Beyond natural phenomena like upwelling, understanding various aspects of the ecosystem, such as fish migration and their needs in different parts of the ocean, is crucial.
In the long run, BFAR hopes for a thorough examination and analysis of such occurrences to maintain the country’s preparedness to face natural ocean events.
END TIME NEWS – Millions of fish on the shores of the beaches of Maasim, Sarangani, Philippines, January 7, 2024
— Jack Straw (@JackStr42679640) January 7, 2024
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