The prevailing cold weather affects not only humans but fish, too, like the bangus (milkfish) and tilapia, as it stops their spawning, slows down their growth, and makes them susceptible to diseases. Dr. Westly Rosario, center chief of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) here, told The STAR yesterday that fish like bangus and tilapia want warmer temperature, thus they stop spawning at the onset of the cold months, starting November. They only start spawning at the start of the hot months beginning March, he said. With weather forecasters saying that the cold months would be extended, so will the suspension of spawning of these fish species, he said. As a result, a shortage of fry supply locally produced is expected, he added.

Visperas, E. (2014, January 22). Cold weather affects fish, too, says fisheries expert. The Philippine Star, p. A-25.