The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday bared finding traces of petroleum products in water samples as well as low-level contaminants known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in fish samples in Oriental Mindoro.
But the agency quickly said these findings are not yet conclusive as these relate to food safety.
The BFAR acknowledged having collected water samples from different sampling sites in and around the island province from March 3 to 14 this year.
In the same period, the agency also collected fish samples from the municipalities of Naujan, Pola, Pinamalayan, Bansud, Gloria, Roxas, Mansalay, Bongabong and Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro.
The samples were analyzed within 10 days from sample collection based on the standard turnaround period for fish sample analysis.
Preliminary findings showed traces of oil and grease in water samples equivalent to 5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) which is within the standard of 3 mg/L to 5 mg/L set by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources.
The BFAR also found PAH in the fish samples, it being harmful to humans and other living organisms as it may accumulate in the flesh of fish over time.
“The results of the analyses are not yet conclusive as far as food safety is concerned. Further sampling and analyses are being conducted to establish time-series results on the effect of the oil spill on food safety, taking into account the magnitude of the oil spill which has reached neighboring areas like Caluya, Antique and some municipalities of Palawan,” BFAR said.
It added the agency is still evaluating contaminant levels in water and fishery resources and determine if seafood is safe for public consumption and if a fishing ban should be imposed or lifted by the local government units concerned.
“Thus, the bureau will continuously analyze water and fish samples in affected areas to monitor the possible spread of contamination and determine the extent of damage caused by the oil spill in the fishery sector. Results will be shared with the public as soon as data becomes available,” BFAR added.
In the meantime, the agency recommends the continued suspension of fishing activities in the affected areas in Oriental Mindoro as separate tests on water and fish samples are also being conducted in Caluya, Antique, which has declared a fishing ban.
The BFAR has budgeted an initial P6.4 million for livelihood and relief assistance for fisherfolk and their families to help cope with the loss of income due to the fishing ban.
The amount includes P1.5 million worth of food packs provided by BFAR through its regional office in MIMAROPA that benefitted 5,000 oil spill-hit families in Oriental Mindoro.
Additional funding is also being prepositioned based on rehabilitation proposals from the affected areas as over 19,000 fisherfolk have been affected by the incident.
