MANILA, Philippines — The popular freshwater sardine known as “tawilis” (Sardinella tawilis) is at risk of being decimated by the expected explosion of Taal Volcano, a possibility that has scientists deeply concerned. “Our biggest worry are those fish species being cultured and are currently trapped in fish cages. After the volcano’s phreatic (steam-driven) eruption blanketed nearby areas with thick ash, residents immediately evacuated their homes and left fish cages unattended. Despite these threats, Torres was positive, describing tawilis as “a resilient animal.”ADVERTISEMENT“It could swim away from Taal Volcano and survive so long as the explosions would not last for days,” he said. “The endangered tawilis must be monitored closely at Taal Lake,” Tulfo said in a statement.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 15, 2020 21:17 UTC