December 1, 2022

 

Farmed fish in Cambodia face danger of diseases as temperatures drop, fishermen association says

 

The Cambodian Fishermen's Association has warned of diseases that could affect farmed fish in Cambodia as temperatures in the country dip.

 

The warning comes after the association monitored fish stock in farms. The association, however, did not identify the diseases that could strike or what kind of fish they affect. It claimed that, when the temperature drops, such a condition can weaken the immunity of the fish, making them susceptible to diseases.

 

The association advised fish farmers to check water quality by measuring the level of nitrate (NO2), because when temperature cools due to decreased nitrogen (N) levels, NO2 increases.

 

"If you notice that the fish are less active, first reduce or temporarily stop feeding and increase the oxygen content of the water by moving the water, such as using a water pump or a motor and so on," the association posted on its Facebook page.

 

The association urges farmers to follow those guidelines to ensure that all fish are safe.

 

Haing Leap, deputy director of the Department of Aquaculture Development at Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture said: "I have not received any reports of fish diseases from any aquaculture association at this time, but in the cold season, it can kill fish if no measures are taken.

 

"Fishermen can report to the Fish Diseases Office of Department of Aquaculture Development if there are cases of fish dying when the temperature drops, so that officials can inspect or check and identify the cause of death of those fish."

 

Temperatures below 28°C are ideal temperatures for the growth and disintegration of pathogens in ponds.

 

To prevent risks during climate change, the agriculture ministry has instructed fish farmers to follow preliminary measures to reduce feeding and add vitamin C to feed.

- Khmer Times