There is still no fishing ban in Bataan towns as all fish samples collected from around the oil spill site passed the “sensory analysis,” the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said on Monday, July 29.
Per BFAR’s Oil Spill Bulletin No. 1, fish samples from the waters of Bataan towns—Limay, Orion, Balanga City, and Samal—were subjected to “sensory analysis” by the bureau on July 29.
The samples were tested for taste (cooked fish), raw odor, and cooked odor, and they all successfully passed the analysis.
“As of this writing, the Bureau has not issued a fishing ban over adjacent waters still unaffected by the oil spill,” it said.
BFAR stated that subsequent tests will be done by independent laboratories to identify the presence of oil, grease, and harmful contaminants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
“The BFAR closely monitors catch landings to ensure that unloaded catch has no traces of oil, as well as conducts sensory analysis of fish samples from surrounding waters,” it added.
The agency advised fisherfolk to immediately report any sightings of oil slicks, avoid contaminated zones, wear personal protective equipment as needed, promptly harvest shellfish or fish from the area, and prevent additional contamination by ensuring proper waste disposal and regular boat maintenance.
Also, the BFAR has called on fisherfolk and the general public to remain calm and follow updates from authorities regarding the oil spill.
On July 29, the progressive fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) reported that the oil spill had already reached the shorelines of Tanza, Cavite.
Pamalakaya said that fishers and coastal residents in Tanza detected the smell of oil.
Environmental groups Greenpeace and Oceana had earlier called on the government to ensure accountability for the "preventable" tragedy, targeting both the responsible government agencies and the private owners of the tanker.
On July 25, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that the motor tanker Terra Nova, carrying 1.4 million liters of oil, capsized and sank off Limay, Bataan.