Laguna: The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) on Wednesday said it will monitor and mitigate the possible effects of the presence of tinfoil barb or "alien fish" in Laguna de Bay. The BFAR made the remark after biologists from the Ateneo de Manila University warned of its potential threat to the population of native fish in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, the tinfoil barb or Barbonymus schwanenfeldii has orange fins and a tail with a silver appearance. The DA-BFAR has stated that it will continue to conduct assessments and implement immediate mitigation strategies. These strategies include monitoring the extent of the tinfoil barb population, evaluating its ecological interactions, and identifying possible sources of introduction.

The agency also assured its preparedness to respond if the fish's threat against the ecological balance, including the potential displacement of native species, is proven. They emphasized their readiness to activate targeted interventions through established programs addressing invasive species found within Laguna de Bay.

Currently, the BFAR is coordinating closely with concerned local government units (LGUs) and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to ensure science-based monitoring and response. DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa highlighted that the alien fish is native to Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.

The BFAR noted that the presence of the tinfoil barb had been initially documented in the area in 2021.