Gatchalian warns of fish shortage due to oil spill

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed concern over a potential fish supply shortage due to the MT Princess Empress oil spill off Oriental Mindoro.

The ill-fated vessel was carrying approximately 800,000 liters of industrial fuel when it sank on February 28.

An estimated 13,000 fishermen and their families in Oriental Mindoro have been affected by the spill.

Gatchalian anticipates a drop in fish production in the coming months as the oil spill spreads to other provinces like Palawan, Antique, Romblon, and Aklan.

He emphasized the need for a comprehensive contingency plan to prevent future oil spills.

While DA-BFAR previously stated there would be no nationwide fish shortage, citing peak fishing seasons in other parts of the country and Oriental Mindoro's small contribution to total fish production, concerns about wider impact and potential shortages have now been raised by officials.