It is surprising that despite a major problem in Philippine aquaculture such as very low production of tilapia fry and fingerlings in the past months of March to July 2010, the people and government agencies involved in tilapia aquaculture have been silent about it.
Apparently, the El Nino effect has taken its toll on the tilapia industry. There was minimal production of fry and fingerlings during these times such that its effect is felt now. The price of table-sized tilapia has increased at a record-breaking high due to lack of supply. The situation can worsen and will be felt in the months ahead until November or December since fry/fingerling production normalized only sometime in August when it started to rain.