WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • SEPTEMBER 2025 29 is the unpredictable growth of fungus in the catfish fingerlings, also called saprolegniasis. According to one local farmer in Bulacan, catfish fingerlings that are around 2 months-old are the most severely affected. Catfish infected with this fungus commonly present white spots on the skin, barbels, fins, and tails. An interesting treatment method done by farmers in Bulacan involves putting salt in the pond and starving the infected catfish for three days. While this is somewhat effective, the chance of survival for these infected catfish becomes slim. When the fingerlings become unsalvageable, the farmers let them die before disposing of them. Another common disease in catfish farming is bacterial infection, such as cottonmouth, caused by Aeromonas hydrophila and characterized by the swelling of the head and neck and cottony or mushy appearance to the mouth and gills (Sanders 2024). Parasites also affect catfishes, such as Hexamita, a parasite that causes the hole-in-head disease characterized by the appearance of small holes or pits on the head and face of the fish (10.5. Hexamita 2024, Oct 25). Common treatments for bacterial and parasite infections often involve the use of chemicals like antibiotics and metronidazole or furazolidone. While deemed effective, problems with antibiotic resistance arise especially for mismanaged water disposal that goes directly into the environment. As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Hence, it is highly recommended to change the water monthly to prevent the build-up of wastes that can contaminate the water and cause infection of the catfish. Additionally, other farmers have been exploring the use of biological control agents like predatory insects and beneficial bacteria to control pests and diseases. Farmers are also recommended to use feeds that are loaded with probiotics to naturally boost the immune system of the catfish making them more resistant to diseases. Detriments of Catfish Farming Aquaculture has undeniably benefited the community. Apart from its contribution to food security, it has provided livelihoods for many Filipinos, eventually impacting the country’s economic growth. Even so, it is pertinent to shed light on the other side of aquaculture, particularly focusing on catfish farming, to alleviate the growing environmental concerns and provide appropriate interventions. Issues and concerns regarding the environmental impacts of aquaculture began in the 1990’s with most attention directed towards marine shrimp farming and net-pen culture of salmon. Over the years, it has spread to other types of aquaculture with some international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia Pacific (NACA), and the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) already expressing their insights. In catfish farming specifically, water pollution, alien species, antibiotic resistance, and land conversion to ponds have been the topmost concerns. Water pollution from catfish production begins when pond effluents, intentionally or unintentionally, reach a body of water near the farm. Pond water often contains leftover feed, organic matter, and chemicals. Water quality within ponds declines over time due to accumulation of these compounds, requiring partial water exchange. When pond effluents are discharged, all these constituents can possibly contaminate and disturb nearby waters which can cause drastic changes to biodiversity and potentially bring health risks to the surrounding community. Addition of particulate and organic matter from effluents can alter the substrate composition of the receiving water bodies, lead to greater oxygen demand, and release abnormally large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus that can stimulate excessive growth of aquatic plants. In fact, Kosemani et al. (2024) investigated the impacts of fish pond effluent on receiving water bodies in Nigeria and observed intense water quality deterioration which posed threats to the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems and even the quality of human life. Moreover, effluents containing chemicals like antibiotics can promote antibiotic resistance in certain strains of bacteria upon frequent and continuous exposure. Introduced species of catfish outcompete the native species in the Philippines due to faster growth, bigger size, and essentially less injurious risk to farmers in terms of handling (Bontoc, pers. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 30) FIGURE 5. Catfish pond containing approximately 200 catfish inside Quezon City University. Photo credit: A. Olarte. FIGURE 6. Get Farm owner, Mr. Ernesto Tolentino, feeding adult catfish with commercial feed. Photo credit: A. Olarte.
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