BFAR urges fishing ban in Mindoro Oriental after traces of toxins seen in samples

Updated 5:20 p.m.

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) on Tuesday recommended a continuous fishing ban after traces of oil were found in fish and water samples from areas affected by the Oriental Mindoro oil spill.

According to the DA-BFAR, dangerous pollutants were found in fish samples collected between March 3 and 14 from the municipalities of Naujan, Pola, Pinamalayan, Bansud, Gloria, Roxas, Mansalay, Bongabong, and Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro.

“The DA-BFAR likewise found low-level contaminants or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the fish samples. PAH, which is harmful to humans and other living organisms, may accumulate” in fish flesh over time, DA-BFAR said in a statement.

According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, PAH is a chemical that occurs in coal, crude oil and gasoline.

Traces of oil and grease were also found in the water, said the DA-BFAR.

The bureau said that while these are only preliminary results and inconclusive as per food safety, it recommended a fishing ban in Oriental Mindoro.

“The DA-BFAR recommends the continuous suspension of fishing activities in the aforementioned areas in Oriental Mindoro for public safety. The Bureau advises [local government units] concerned to heed this science-based recommendation,” DA-BFAR said.

In addition, DA-BFAR said further testing is being done in the Municipality of Caluya in Antique, where the local government also declared a fishing ban.

The oil spill in Oriental Mindoro was caused by the ill-fated MT Princess Empress, which carried 800,000 liters of oil when it sank on February 28, reaching parts of Palawan and Verde Island Passage.

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JPV/abc