KORONADAL CITY: The recent beaching of juvenile pelagic sardines along the coast of Barangay Tinoto in Maasim, Sarangani province has sparked curiosity and concern among locals. However, according to Cirilo Lagnason Jr., a researcher from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Soccsksargen Region (DENR-12), this event is not a sign of underwater seismic activity but rather a natural phenomenon known as upwelling.
Lagnason explains that upwelling is an ocean process where colder water is pushed towards the ocean surface, bringing with it essential nutrients, including plankton. These nutrients serve as the primary diet for juvenile fish, such as sardines. As a result of this phenomenon, the sardines were trapped in shallower areas, making them more accessible for fishing.
It is worth noting that this occurrence is not unique to Barangay Tinoto. Similar events have been observed in other provinces such as Zamboanga, Masbate, and Maguindanao del Norte. The abundance of sardines along the coastline is seen as a blessing by the residents of Tinoto, who believe it should be shared with everyone.
Lagnason, who is also the concurrent DENR-12 development management officer, describes the sight of the bountiful school of fish flooding the shoreline as a true gift from Sarangani Bay. He assures the public that these fish are still edible as long as they are consumed immediately or properly preserved.
However, amidst the excitement and gratitude, some individuals, like Mark Baya, a resident of Maasim, express concerns about the underlying implications of this phenomenon. Baya speculates that the beaching of the sardines could be an “advance notice” of a potential calamity. While his fear may be baseless, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the need for continuous monitoring and research.
Interestingly, this is not the first time a significant number of marine species have been found beached along the coast. In October 2021, a similar event occurred in Barangay Nalkan, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, where a multitude of medium-sized yellowfin tuna were stranded.
The occurrence of beaching events, whether it be sardines or tuna, highlights the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the delicate balance they maintain. While these events may be awe-inspiring, they also serve as a reminder of the vulnerability of our oceans and the importance of sustainable practices to preserve their biodiversity.
In conclusion, the recent beaching of juvenile pelagic sardines in Barangay Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani province is a natural phenomenon known as upwelling. This occurrence, driven by ocean processes, brings essential nutrients to the surface, attracting juvenile fish like sardines. While it is a sight to behold and a blessing for the locals, it also raises questions and concerns about the potential implications. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing research and monitoring of our marine ecosystems to better understand and protect them for future generations.
Source: The Manila Times
