Oil Spill in Oriental Mindoro Threatens Fish Supply and Livelihoods, Calls for Stricter Regulations and Transition to Renewable Energy Intensify

 An official warned of a potential increase in fish prices due to an oil spill in Oriental Mindoro.

Nazario Briguera, spokesperson of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), said that if the supply of fish in Oriental Mindoro becomes limited, prices may rise.

However, there are no signs of a shortage of fish supply in the area yet, according to Briguera.

Oriental Mindoro contributes 3 percent of the food production in Mimaropa, and Batangas imports fish from the province as well.

Photo by: Philippines News Agency

Commonly caught fish in some municipalities in Oriental Mindoro include stonefish such as lapu-lapu.

The BFAR is concerned about the long-term effects of the oil spill on the affected reefs and mangroves, which serve as breeding grounds for fish.

Briguera noted that it is currently peak fishing season.

A fishing ban has been implemented in nine municipalities in Oriental Mindoro, and it has yet to be lifted as the BFAR extended its technical assistance to check the water quality.

According to Briguera, some commercial fishing vessels continue to operate in distant areas.

There are no signs of fish kill due to the oil spill yet, Briguera added.

The BFAR is closely monitoring the situation and assessing the potential impact of the oil spill on the marine ecosystem and the livelihood of the local fishing communities.

Meanwhile, the local government and various agencies have been working together to contain the oil spill and prevent it from spreading further.

The oil spill occurred when a power barge owned by a private company ran aground in Calapan City during the height of Typhoon Auring in February.

The incident caused a massive oil spill that affected several coastal areas in Oriental Mindoro and nearby provinces, damaging coral reefs, mangroves, and other marine habitats.

The environmental group Greenpeace earlier called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident and urged the government to hold accountable those responsible for the oil spill.

The group also called for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents from happening and to promote the transition to cleaner energy sources to address the root cause of the problem.

The incident highlights the risks and impacts of fossil fuel use and underscores the urgent need to shift to renewable energy and sustainable development to protect the environment and secure the future of our planet.

The oil spill in Oriental Mindoro has affected not only the marine ecosystem but also the livelihoods of thousands of fisherfolk and coastal communities in the area.

According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), the total damage to fisheries and aquatic resources in Oriental Mindoro alone has reached around Php 133.3 million ($2.6 million), affecting around 14,000 fisherfolk and their families.

The DA has provided various forms of assistance to affected fisherfolk, such as cash and food aid, fishing gears and boats, and livelihood and training programs.

Several groups and individuals have also launched their own initiatives to help the affected communities, such as the Bayanihan para sa Kinabukasan ng Oriental Mindoro, a fundraising campaign that aims to raise Php 10 million ($200,000) to support the recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the area.

The oil spill has also prompted calls for stricter regulations and enforcement of environmental laws and policies to prevent similar incidents from happening and to ensure accountability for those responsible.

The incident has also highlighted the need to promote renewable energy and sustainable development to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the environment and the people who depend on it.

reference link: 'Taas-presyo ng isda posible dahil sa Mindoro oil spill' | ABS-CBN News