No More Tawilis

By Darwin Pesco

Tawilis, the only freshwater sardine that can only be found in the Taal Lake, may not be served on our tables with its status of being endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List (IUCN).

“Na-assess siya as endangered. Well, ibig sabihin, it’s a step closer na pwede na siyang maging extinct. Pero wala pa naman siya doon,” Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos of the National Academy of Science and Technology said in a report on GMA’s 24 Oras.

Fishing, environmental pollution, and occurrence of invasive species like Tilapia and other types of fish are some contributing factors to the less number of Tawilis.

“Wag na sana nating paabutin na maging critically endangered by doing nothing. May pag-asa, may management na ginagawa. Pero to us, it’s a wake-up call,” he added.

With the scientific name, Sardinella tawilis, and the only member of the genus Sardinella existing entirely in fresh water, the fish is a treasure losing its shine for its near extinction.

Many people expressed their outburst for the news on social media.

“Hello please don’t buy tawilis muna!!! If you really like dried fish you can opt to consume daing or dried pusit in the meantime!!! They’re just as good!!! Don’t let the tuyo fish go extinct omg” posted by a netizen with a username @Dragodeus_.

Also, Marine Wildlife Watch for the Philippines, posted on their Facebook page a poster calling for the actions to be taken to conserve the Tawilis.

Without immediate effort and action, the extinction of Tawilis is inevitable.