Oceana raises alarm on damages of Manila Bay oil spill to fishing grounds and coral reefs
Press Release Date: July 26, 2024
International marine protection organization, Oceana calls on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to immediately conduct marine environment and fisheries impact assessment of the oil spill off the waters of Limay, Bataan in Manila Bay.
The group raises alarm on the possible damages to the municipal waters of Limay and Mariveles in Bataan, and Tanza, Rosario, Novelata, Cavite Cite in Cavite, all towns dependent on fishing for their livelihood. The international group’s monitoring also shows that if the surface current’s direction turns towards the southwest, reefs in Mariveles and Corregidor Island may be damaged.
“We need to learn from these martime incidents and all concerned government agencies and private owners of these tankers and vessels should be held accountable. Secondly, we need to make sure that the penalties are implemented and work on increasing the fines and other accountability measures based on the damages these caused, on the environment and the people’s lives and livelihood. We just passed the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Cost Accounting System law and thus, it is the duty of the DENR, BFAR and other government agencies to adopt this in this case and hold all persons and entities responsible,” explained Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Oceana’s Vice President.
The Philippine Coast Guard Memorandum Circular 02-13 on the movement of vessels during heavy weather states in Section VI, “No vessel of any type or tonnage shall be allowed to sail except to take shelter, as the situation may warrant, when Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) Number 1 or higher is hoisted within its point of origin, the intended route, and point of destination. All vessels that are already underway shall seek shelter when any PSWS is hoisted in its immediate vicinity, along its route, and point of destination. It is the responsibility the ship owner/ operator and Master or Patron of the vessel on how to seek shelter and ensure the safety of the ship Vessels are allowed to leave port only to take shelter and shall depart without passengers and/or cargo onboard.“
The same MC identified special areas in the country within bays and rivers or enclosed by natural covers or sheltered zones where natural topographical characteristics make these areas less vulnerable to adverse effects of prevailing weather condition and Manila Bay where the oil spill happened is included.
Ramos cites Section VIII of the MC that states the ship owner or operator of the vessel, oil tanker MT Terra Nova shall ensure that the latest weather advisories, bulletin and warnings are secured from PAGASA, once they are released, when a typhoon enters the Philippine area of responsibility.
After due hearings were conducted and violations of these sections of the Circular will be found, the vessel should grounded for immediate detention. The ship owner/operator and Master of the tanker that is 498 gross tons, according to its registration will have to pay P50,000 on its first offense will be recommended to Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for three months suspension of the Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB) of the Master and Patron and the ship’s franchise.
“We demand for even higher penalties and stricter accountability measures with the PENCAS law in effect. This is the time to put the safeguards on our people and our natural life support system in place through these progressive laws. These are meant to protect our people’s right to safe and healthful ecology,” added Ramos.
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.
For More Information:
Joyce Sierra, Communications Manager, Oceana
Mobile: 09178214430 E-mail: jsierra@oceana.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oceana.philippines
Twitter: @oceana_ph Instagram: @oceana_ph