Fresh water fish farmers in the Highlands Region are urged to embrace for loss of fish lives and fish farming closing if El Nino persists.

This was highlighted by Mr. Jacob Towa of Tower Fish Hatchery in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province. Mr. Towa stated that Tambul Nebiliyer District has been experiencing frost in recent times, and this has placed threat on Talipia and Curp fish who are often used to moderate temperature; however, for trout farming it continues as usual because trout fish love cold weather. 

Mr. Towa further added that if the El Nino pattern persists, water levels in all fishponds will dry out and it will be a serious disaster for all freshwater fish farmers. 

"Most farmers depend on creeks to supply fresh water supply into their fishponds and sadly most creeks are drying up slowly."

Towa also stated that he is afraid that if El Nino continues, his fingerling supply chain in Western Highlands province and throughout the highland region will collapse in business, however at this time he is preparing for the worst. 

"Right now, I am getting ready for the worst, I have my pipes ready, my water pump ready and hoses ready to pump water from the nearby river into my ponds if and when water starts to dry or drop."

"I would like to urge other fish farmers to also buy water pumps and pipes to use to pump fresh water to their ponds when pond starts to dry up". 

Towa further advised fish farmers to take note that when bringing in fresh water into their ponds, they are to let the water run into the ponds for about 1-2 hours in the morning and during the evening, thus, this will help supply oxygen to the fishes in their ponds. 

"Fresh water fish farming is our livelihoods, and I would like to call on local members and provincial government to make funds available to assist not only fish farmers but other famers also to be disaster prepared during this El Nino period".