The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 4A is actively monitoring the oil spill caused by the sinking of the Motor Tanker Terranova in Limay, Bataan. BFAR is continuously implementing efforts to address the spill and ensure a coordinated and effective response.
We urge the public to exercise caution when consuming fish from the affected areas due to the risk of petrochemical contamination. Sensory examinations revealed that fish from Noveleta and Rosario showed signs of petrochemical tainting, even before visible oil slicks were detected. Conversely, fish from Tanza, Cavite City, and Naic were deemed free of contamination at the time of sampling. To further ensure the safety of the consuming public, fish and shellfish samples are currently undergoing chemical analysis for the detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
In a recent interview with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Central Office’s Spokesperson, Mr. Nazer Briguera, he emphasized, “Ang pagpapasya tungkol sa pagdedeklara ng fishing ban ay nasa local government units na. Ang mandato ng BFAR ay siguruhin ang kaligtasan ng pagkonsumo ng isda sa mga apektadong lugar.”
While no fishing bans or activity suspensions are currently being imposed in Tanza, Ternate, Naic, Cavite City, Rosario, and Noveleta based on current findings, we advise all residents to remain vigilant and cautious regarding the consumption of fish and seafood from this region.
Based on the Guidance on Sensory Testing and Monitoring of Seafood for Presence of Petroleum Taint following an Oil Spill by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration possible attributes associated with petrochemical tainting of seafood are the following:
Odor: petroleum, diesel, kerosene, hydraulic fluid, lube oil, dirty sour, solventy, chemical, pungent, acrid, burnt, creosote, piney, resinous, rubbery, phenolic, nose-sting
Flavor: pungent, petroleum fuel, kerosene, chemical, dirty sour, warm mouth-feel, oily or waxy mouth-coating
*** Because oils are hydrophobic, washing produce is insufficient as the oil can still seep into the fish’s flesh and muscle. Ingestion of contaminated seafood may cause food poisoning (short term) or as carcinogen (long term).
