BFAR recommends fishing bans in Oriental Mindoro due to PAH traces

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has recommended maintaining fishing bans in oil spill-affected areas of Oriental Mindoro due to the presence of low-level polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in fish samples.

Fish samples collected on March 10 and seaweeds from Caluya, Antique, on March 9 both showed traces of PAH.

These findings are consistent with previous analyses conducted by BFAR, indicating minimal PAH levels in seafood from Oriental Mindoro.

Despite the low amounts detected, BFAR advises caution as the initial analyses are not yet conclusive for food safety.

Similarly, harvesting bans on seaweeds in Caluya, Antique, will remain in place until further evaluations confirm their safety for consumption.

BFAR continues to monitor and analyze the affected areas to understand the long-term impact of the oil spill on food safety through time-series results.