Oil spill threatens Oriental Mindoro marine protected areas

An oil tanker, MT Princess Empress, carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil, capsized off the coast of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on February 28, 2023.

The resulting oil spill threatens the marine ecology of the Philippines, with DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga warning of vast implications.

Black, foul-smelling sludge has reached the shores of 10 towns in Oriental Mindoro and oil patches have been spotted as far as Caluya, Antique.

Over 36,000 hectares of marine protected areas (MPAs) are at risk, according to University of the Philippines Diliman College of Science Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI).

This area includes approximately 20,000 ha of coral reefs, 9,900 ha of mangroves, and 6,000 ha of seagrass.

The earlier estimate of 24,000 ha of coral reef areas being in danger was an overestimation based on preliminary data.

More than 30 marine protected areas are at risk, which Oriental Mindoro Governor Bonz Dolor lamented could affect the province's fishing industry and potentially the national economy.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed an oil spill boom and divers to contain the spill, and investigations into the cause of the vessel's sinking are ongoing.

Experts warn that the oil spill could reach as far as Palawan, potentially affecting coastal communities and marine biodiversity.