FISH caught from areas affected by the oil spill from the sunken MT Terra Nova off the coast of Limay, Bataan, remain safe for consumption, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.
“So as we speak right now, fish that were purchased are still safe to consume,” said BFAR spokesman Nazario Briguera in a public briefing on Tuesday.
Fish samples from Limay, Orion, Balanga City and Samal tested on Monday for taste, raw odor and cooked odor all passed sensory analysis.
OIL SPILL Fishermen show traces of an oil spill along the coast of Long Beach in Noveleta, Cavite, on
July 30, 2024. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN
Succeeding tests will be conducted by third-party laboratories for presence of oil and grease, as well as harmful contaminants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
“We also deployed ground personnel on landing areas of fishes to check if it has traces of oil leak,” Briguera added.
BFAR reminded the public to refrain from consuming fish showing obvious signs of oil slick contamination.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that while a fishing ban was still not necessary, its declaration was now delegated to local government units.
“The mandate of the BFAR now is to ensure continuous assessment and evaluation regarding the safety of consuming fish in affected areas,” said Briguera.
If the oil leak persists, the cost of damage in Central Luzon and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) could reach P351 million in a month while the number of fisherfolk affected could reach 46,000, BFAR said.
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