The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday, May 29, recommended keeping fishing bans in Pola, Pinamalayan, and Naujan in Oriental Mindoro due to the risk of contamination from traces of oil.
In a statement, BFAR said its latest analyses showed that traces of oil and grease in water samples slightly increased in all sampling sites in comparison to the baseline data.
However, it noted that these were still within the standard limit of < 3.0 mg/L for Class SC waters or those suited for boating and fishing activities, as well as fish propagation intended for commercial and sustenance purposes.
Meanwhile, the fishing waters of Calapan, Bansud, and Gloria are “now well within the standards for fishing activities.”
BFAR also noted that the fishing waters of Bongabong, Bulalacao, Mansalay, Roxas, Baco, Puerto Galera, and San Teodoro remained safe for fishing activities.
Malacañang on Saturday, May 27, announced that the last phase of the oil spill cleanup in Oriental Mindoro will be completed within a month. CF – gb
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