Oriental Mindoro oil spill costs fishing industry P441M

The oil spill in Oriental Mindoro has caused an estimated P441.25 million in losses to the Philippine fishing industry over 22 fishing days.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that more than 26,000 fishermen were directly affected, losing an average of P714 daily.

Total damages, including losses in inputs, produce, fishing gear, and facilities, amounted to P445.33 million.

This includes P14.14 million in fisheries production losses from MIMAROPA and nearly P3 million for damage to 119 metric tons of seaweed in Western Visayas.

The MT Princess Empress, carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel, sank on February 28 off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Despite the economic impact, BFAR maintains that a fishing ban is still necessary for public safety, as oil has been detected in fish and water samples from affected areas.