More oil slicks to possibly reach Calapan in the next few days
More oil slicks could reach the coast of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro from March 20 to 22, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) warned in its bulletin on Saturday, March 18.
"Oil spill trajectories for March 16-22 show a northward shift with Calapan possibly receiving most of the oil from March 20-22," it said.
Moreover, the westward currents along the coast of northern Mindoro towards the Verde Island Passage were also seen to be more evident during this same period.
"The Amihan winds, which contained most of the oil to the coasts of Nauhan and Pola in the previous weeks, are now more variable, allowing the oil to spread northwards," UP MSI added.
The institute also noted that the Amihan season has a crucial role in how the oil slicks can affect the biodiversity of Verde Island Passage.
"It is critical to stop the seepage before the end of the Amihan season, otherwise more critical biodiversity areas along the Verde Island Passage may be affected," it said.
Courtesy of UP MSI
Courtesy of UP MSI