Fishing ban in 3 more Oriental Mindoro areas lifted

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday recommended the lifting of the fishing ban in the municipalities of Bansud, Calapan and Gloria in Oriental Mindoro three months after the sinking of motor tanker Princess Empress.

The BFAR retained the ban in Pola, Pinamalayan and Naujan due to traces of oil that have yet to be removed from these areas.

“Latest analyses of the BFAR showed that traces of oil and grease in water samples slightly increased in all sampling sites in comparison to the baseline data, but these were still within the standard limit or suited for boating and fishing activities as well as fish propagation,” the BFAR said in its latest bulletin.

Earlier, the BFAR lifted the fishing ban in Baco, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Mansalay, Puerto Galera, Roxas and San Teodoro.

It said the trend indicated that the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in seafood sourced from Oriental Mindoro had stabilized to a much lower concentration.

“The waters of Bansud, Calapan and Gloria are now well within the standards for fishing activities,” the bureau said.