The reproduction rate of marine biodiversity is at risk after the sinking of an oil tanker 3.6 nautical miles east of Lamao Point, Limay, Bataan, Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Jefferson M. Chua said in an interview on July 26.
“It really disrupts and affects the reproductive rate of marine life when fish ingest hydrocarbons, other carbons and other compounds from the oil,” Mr Chua told BusinessWorld.
He added that Limay has a rich aquatic life and there are many fishermen in the surrounding areas.
“The ship sank in a place rich in marine life, especially fishing off the coast of Limay, there are now many fishing grounds, and there are many fishing communities along the Bataan Peninsula,” Mr. Chua said. .
Apart from the long-term damage it will cause to marine life, fishermen’s livelihoods are among the most affected by the consequences of the spill.
“So it reduces the volume of fish in the area, which in the long run means less fish caught for the fishermen,” Mr Chua said.
Mr. Chua added that based on the recent reports from their team on the ground, fishing is now restricted in the area due to the toxic substances emitted by the Philippine-flagged Motor Tanker (MT) Terra Nova.
Based on the assessment of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Shared today by PCG spokesperson CG Admiral Armando Balilo, the nearby waters of Parañaque, Manila, Navotas, Bulacan and Pampanga could be affected if the worst-case scenario occurs.
“We are using our manpower, mobilizing our resources, consulting experts and working with LGUs and other stakeholders to avert a catastrophe to the marine environment,” Mr. Balilo said.
According to PCG’s recent report, the transfer operation will take seven days as MT Terra Nova is sinking 34 meters deep. – Almira Louise S. Martinez