Tens Of Tons Of Fish In Lake Maninjau Dies Due To Strong Winds, Farmers Lose IDR 625 Million

Head of the Agam Food and Fisheries Security Service Rosva Deswira. (ANTARA)

AGAM - The Department of Food Security and Fisheries in Agam Regency, West Sumatra, recorded the death of fish in floating net cages in Lake Maninjau, precisely in Nagari Bayua, Tanjung Raya District, due to strong winds that hit the area since Sunday 12 January. Total fish deaths reached 25 tons.

"This data is based on the results of data collection carried out by fisheries counselors in the field with cultivators," said Head of the Agam Food and Fisheries Security Service, Rosva Deswira, as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, January 17.

He explained that 25 tons of tilapia with various sizes were spread across several areas, namely Jorong Lubuak Anyia, Banda Tangah, and Lubuak Kandang, which are managed by 12 farmers.

As a result, farmers suffered a loss of around Rp. 625 million, with the selling price of tilapia fish at the farmer level of Rp. 25 thousand per kilogram.

"The fish die from strong winds which cause water reversal from the bottom to the surface of the lake. This condition reduces oxygen levels at the bottom of the lake, so that fish experience stress and eventually die," said Rosva.

Fish deaths began to appear on Monday, January 13, where fish carcasses float to the surface of the lake. Until now, the service is still collecting further data regarding the number of fish deaths.

Rosva appealed to farmers not to throw fish carcasses into the lake to prevent water pollution. On the other hand, fish carcasses are asked to be collected and buried so as not to pollute the environment.

"We invite farmers to maintain environmental cleanliness and not throw fish carcasses into the lake," he added.

Previously, the Agam Food Security and Fisheries Service had issued a warning letter Number 500.5.3.3/435/DKPP/2024 regarding extreme weather predictions and measures to prevent fish deaths in Lake Maninjau.

The letter was made on November 21, 2024 and submitted to the wali nagari and the Tanjung Raya sub-district head to increase public awareness of the risk of extreme weather.

"We have anticipated by issuing warnings to related parties," concluded Rosva.