By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Oriental Mindoro oil spill may reach the Verde Island Passage, posing a threat to the island’s coastal region due to the weakening northeast monsoon, according to the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI).
In its latest forecast, most of the oil will end up along Naujan and Pola waters.
“However, due to the weakening ‘amihan,’ some of the oil may flow northwards towards other areas of the Verde Island, and some parts of Batangas,” the UP-MSI said.
UP-MSI said the oil spill will threaten the Verde Passage Island which is a global marine biodiversity center.
The Island is located between Batangas and Mindoro and has the most coastal fish, corals, crustaceans, molluscs, seagrasses, and mangroves.
It also houses critically endangered species such as hawksbill turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, humphead wrasses, giant groupers, and giant clams.
This after MT Princess Express submerged off Naujan waters on Feb. 28. The ship was carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel. – gb
