High Coliform level kills BFAR’s fingerlings
High Coliform level kills BFAR’s Grouper fingerlings in Concepcion
Grouper fingerlings released by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in a fish cage in Concepcion, Iloilo were killed due to high coliform and E. Coli levels.
Grouper fingerlings released by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in a fish cage in Concepcion, Iloilo were killed due to high coliform and E. Coli levels.
The total coliform count and E. Coli of the water in Concepcion’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) has exceeded the limits for the standard requirement.
This was found out in the result of the Laboratory Analysis conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) last October 3, 2011.
The laboratory analysis was conducted as an offshoot of the death of around 4,000 Grouper fingerlings released by the BFAR in a fish cage in Concepcion recently.
The project was part of the agency’s livelihood programs for the fisherfolk.
The area where the fish cage was situated is the same area where the fishers get the nylon shells.
BFAR personnel were surprised that the Grouper fingerlings died three weeks after they were released on the fish cage.
Laboratory analysis of the water sample taken from the fish case showed that the total Coliform count was 12 MPN/100 ml and the E. Coli was measured at 3.6 MPN/100 ml.
Said data exceeded the limits for the standard requirement which is 0 MPN/100 ml for both the test parameters.
Coliform and E. Coli bacteria come from human waste which are disposed on the sea waters.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias said it is possible that the nylon shells in the area are also contaminated by the bacteria.
He said, residents living along the shoreline should be prohibited from disposing their waste and garbage on the sea to address the problem. (ECGarcia/ Capitol News)
Written by Erly C. Garcia (Provincial Information Office)
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