REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Significant Oil Samples Still Detected in Some Municipalities in Oriental Mindoro
Photo credit: PCG
The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has released the latest oil spill bulletin, Bulletin No. 03 Series of 2023, which provides updates on the oil spill situation in Oriental Mindoro and Caluya, Antique.
In Oriental Mindoro, the DA-BFAR found significant increases in the amount of oil and grease in water samples collected from affected areas on April 10. Low-level polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were also detected in all fish samples collected on April 3 from the municipalities of Bongabong and San Teodoro. However, the DA-BFAR has not yet reached conclusive evidence as far as food safety is concerned and recommends keeping fishing bans in oil spill-hit municipalities in Oriental Mindoro.
To help affected municipal fisherfolk get back to their livelihoods, the DA-BFAR has recommended alternative fishing grounds, such as the municipal waters of Paluan, Abra de Ilog, San Jose, and Magsaysay in Occidental Mindoro; Boac and Gasan in Marinduque; and Concepcion in Romblon. The DA-BFAR will also provide fuel subsidies as additional assistance.
In Caluya, Antique, all water samples collected on March 28 passed the DENR standard for oil and grease, and fish samples collected on April 11 showed no signs of oil tainting. However, shellfish samples and seaweed samples previously subjected to laboratory analysis contained traces of PAHs. The DA-BFAR recommends prohibiting shellfish gathering and seaweed harvesting in affected areas.
The municipal government of Caluya, Antique has allowed regulated fishing activities within the vicinity of Semirara Island, Nagubat Island, and Liwagao Island, but prohibits fishing and collecting of shells in certain areas. Fish catch shall be reported to the barangay using the record of fish catch issued by the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, and the barangay shall closely monitor the fishing activities of its residents in coordination and collaboration with their respective associations.
The DA-BFAR has spent Php22 million for livelihood and relief assistance, including livelihood assistance for 10 fisherfolk associations and cooperatives, food assistance to affected fisherfolk, and grant of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats with marine engines to affected fisherfolk in Oriental Mindoro. The Bureau has also deployed monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) vessels and PPE sets for clean-up activities. Additional funding will be used for supplementary interventions to areas affected by the oil spill.
In Oriental Mindoro, the DA-BFAR found significant increases in the amount of oil and grease in water samples collected from affected areas on April 10. Low-level polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were also detected in all fish samples collected on April 3 from the municipalities of Bongabong and San Teodoro. However, the DA-BFAR has not yet reached conclusive evidence as far as food safety is concerned and recommends keeping fishing bans in oil spill-hit municipalities in Oriental Mindoro.
To help affected municipal fisherfolk get back to their livelihoods, the DA-BFAR has recommended alternative fishing grounds, such as the municipal waters of Paluan, Abra de Ilog, San Jose, and Magsaysay in Occidental Mindoro; Boac and Gasan in Marinduque; and Concepcion in Romblon. The DA-BFAR will also provide fuel subsidies as additional assistance.
In Caluya, Antique, all water samples collected on March 28 passed the DENR standard for oil and grease, and fish samples collected on April 11 showed no signs of oil tainting. However, shellfish samples and seaweed samples previously subjected to laboratory analysis contained traces of PAHs. The DA-BFAR recommends prohibiting shellfish gathering and seaweed harvesting in affected areas.
The municipal government of Caluya, Antique has allowed regulated fishing activities within the vicinity of Semirara Island, Nagubat Island, and Liwagao Island, but prohibits fishing and collecting of shells in certain areas. Fish catch shall be reported to the barangay using the record of fish catch issued by the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, and the barangay shall closely monitor the fishing activities of its residents in coordination and collaboration with their respective associations.
The DA-BFAR has spent Php22 million for livelihood and relief assistance, including livelihood assistance for 10 fisherfolk associations and cooperatives, food assistance to affected fisherfolk, and grant of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats with marine engines to affected fisherfolk in Oriental Mindoro. The Bureau has also deployed monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) vessels and PPE sets for clean-up activities. Additional funding will be used for supplementary interventions to areas affected by the oil spill.
Apr 26, 2023
