ILOILO CITY, April 24 -- Fish farmers, especially those growing brackish and marine species, should seize the opportunity to grow milkfish production amid the ongoing effects of the El Nino phenomenon.

"The heat exacerbated by the phenomenon provides an advantage for breeders, as the relatively high water temperatures stimulate milkfish metabolism, leading to spawning and ample egg and larvae production," Dan Baliao, chief of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD), said in a press statement on Wednesday.

During the cold months between November and February, they have to invest in industrial water heaters to keep the breeders active at a water temperature between 29C and 30C and ensure a con...