Lake Taal: A Natural Wonder and Aquaculture Hub in the Philippines
By: Fittrie Meyllianawaty Pratiwy, Ph.D.
Lecturer of Universitas Padjadjaran
Lake Taal, a natural wonder hidden in the province of Batangas, Philippines, has silently witnessed the history and life of its surrounding communities for centuries. Situated within the deep caldera of the still-active Taal Volcano, the lake presents a stunning landscape with its captivating Volcano Island amidst the serene blue waters.
History and Uniqueness
Lake Taal, the third largest lake in the Philippines, spans an area of 24,356.4 hectares and is surrounded by nine towns and two cities. The uniqueness of the lake lies in its Volcano Island, which measures 23.8 km2 with a crater lake known as “A lake on an island on a lake on an island,” creating a breathtaking panorama for anyone who beholds it. The Taal Volcano itself has been an integral part of the Philippine landscape and history, with its dramatic eruptions leaving remarkable traces in the surrounding region.
Lake Taal is not only a popular natural tourist destination but also a source of livelihood for its surrounding communities. Thousands of fishermen and farmers around the lake depend on its resources for their livelihoods. The long history of cultivating the lake reflects the close relationship between humans and nature.
Biodiversity
One of the endemic fish found in Lake Taal is the Maliputo, a species that reproduces and lays eggs in estuarine waters. These fish migrate through the Pansipit River to seek freshwater in Lake Taal. Besides Maliputo, there is also Talakitok or Muslo, a saltwater fish often found in river mouths and mangrove forests, known as Maliputong Labas when found in the Pansipit River. Meanwhile, Tawilis is a unique freshwater sardine, being the only species in the Clupeidae family inhabiting freshwater worldwide.
Apart from fish, Lake Taal is also home to various other species, including two Gobies species, Gnatholepis volcanus, and Rhinogobius flavoventris. Rhinogobius flavoventris, widely traded as an aquarium ornamental fish, is one of the species that garners attention. Additionally, the Garman’s sea snake (Hydrophis semperi), which inhabits freshwater, also contributes to the unique diversity in Lake Taal.
Aquaculture Activities
However, the natural beauty of Lake Taal also serves as a venue for diverse aquaculture activities. Tilapia and milkfish farming has been an important part of the livelihoods of its surrounding communities for the past few decades.
Tilapia farming in Lake Taal began in the 1980s, inspired by the success of floating cage culture in Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines. Tilapia fingerlings are stocked at a rate of 50,000 to 200,000 per floating cage for a culture period of 6 to 8 months. Intensive feeding is done using sinking or floating commercial pellets. Tilapia production increased from around 13,197 tons in 1995 to about 21,189 tons in 2000.
Additionally, there is also milkfish farming within floating cages. However, the success of this aquaculture is also challenged by issues such as pollution and the introduction of invasive species.
Challenges and Conservation
The biggest challenge facing Lake Taal is pollution from human waste, garbage, and animal waste, as well as the introduction of invasive species. Waste from holiday resorts and residents in the vicinity, as well as waste from pig farming industries, all contribute to high levels of pollution in Lake Taal. On May 30, 2011, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced the death of 750 metric tons of fish due to pollution.
The introduction of invasive species, such as the Jaguar Guapote (Parachromis managuensis), also poses a serious threat to the biodiversity of Lake Taal. These fish are predatory and can disrupt the natural ecosystem of the lake.
To protect its biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability, strong conservation efforts are needed. The proclamation of the area around Lake Taal as the Taal Volcano National Park in 1967 and the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape in 1996 are initial steps in preserving the lake. Further efforts, including sustainable management and strict law enforcement against environmentally damaging practices, are required to ensure that the beauty and uniqueness of Lake Taal and Taal Volcano are preserved for future generations.
Lake Taal and Taal Volcano are not only stunning natural symbols but also integral parts of the Philippine natural and cultural heritage. Through conservation and sustainability efforts, we can all become stewards and guardians of this beauty for a better future. Lake Taal continues to be an enticing destination for tourists and a source of life for its surrounding communities. With collective efforts, we can ensure that this natural wonder continues to be enjoyed by future generations.