Study: Philippines' largest lake under threat

[Luis]

National (as of 3/4/2008 6:38 PM)

Study: Philippines' largest lake under threat

Agence France-Presse

MANILA - Pollution, slums and an invasion of foreign fish species are
threatening the Philippines' largest lake, one of the nation's major
fish farming regions, according to a study published Tuesday.

Laguna de Bay on the outskirts of eastern Manila covers more than
90,000 hectares (222,300 acres) but since 1965, fish pens and cages
have been built out across some 15 percent of the lake.

The study, by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre, said
the lake's ecosystem was also being threatened by pollution caused by
residential, commercial and industrial development and the
encroachment of squatters along its shores.

"The worsening water quality in Laguna de Bay, which is caused mainly
by water pollution, leads to water algae that kill fish through oxygen
depletion as well as taint the flesh of the surviving fish," the
report said.

Foreign fish species, such as the janitor fish, destroyed nets and
competed for natural food and living space with the cultured species,
it added.

Fishermen are being hemmed into ever smaller fishing areas, while
illegal construction of fish pens along navigational lanes is causing
friction between them and farming industry operators, the report said.

The study said the silting-up and pollution of the Pasig river
connecting Laguna de Bay with the sea on Manila Bay also obstructed
the natural backflow of saltwater to nourish aquatic life.