BFAR: No fishing ban in waters unaffected by Manila Bay oil spill
A thick layer of oil can be seen across the water’s surface approximately four kilometers from the coastline in Tibaguin Island, Hagonoy, Bulacan. The oil spill from capsized tanker MT Terra Nova, which was carrying 1.4 million liters of oil, is affecting the municipal waters of several areas, including Bulacan, Cavite, and Bataan. Aerial images reveal the extensive spread of the oil spill from MT Terra Nova, showing the vast damage inflicted on the affected waters and ecosystems on which communities depend for their livelihood and sustenance. Greenpeace is calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make oil and gas companies pay for polluting our waters and fueling the climate crisis.
MANILA, Philippines — There is no fishing ban in adjacent waters still unaffected by the oil spill in Manila Bay, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
In a statement on Monday, the BFAR said it has “not issued a fishing ban” and the agency has conducted sensory analysis from fish samples to ensure that they have no traces of oil.
READ: Philippine Coast Guard says oil leaking from sunken tanker
“Fish samples from Bataan (Limay, Orion, Balanga City, and Samal) tested today, July 29, for taste (cooked fish), raw odor, and cooked odor all passed the sensory analysis,” BFAR said.
“Succeeding tests with third-party laboratories for the presence of oil and grease, and harmful contaminants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons will also be carried out,” it added.
Motor Tanker Terra Nova was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel when it “capsized and eventually submerged” in waters off Bataan province last July 25, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
The PCG earlier reported that the oil from MT Terra Nova spread about 12 to 14 kilometers across Manila Bay and may affect parts of Bataan and Cavite. Based on the agency’s aerial monitoring on Monday morning, the oil spill’s extent lessened to 3.7 to 7.4 kilometers.
On Tuesday, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said fishing in Manila Bay is unsafe due to the oil spill.
READ: Coast Guard : Fishing in Manila Bay unsafe due to oil spill
The BFAR has assured the public that it is coordinating with other government agencies to mitigate the potential impacts of the oil spill on marine biodiversity, livelihood, and public health.
“Fisherfolk are urged to promptly report any oil slick sighting, avoid contaminated areas, use personal protective equipment when necessary, immediately harvest shellfish or fish in the surrounding area, and prevent further contamination by maintaining proper waste disposal and regular boat maintenance,” it added.
