Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
Guimaras marine resources show recovery after three years of oil spill tragedy in the island province, though there are still stresses that can be seen in marine lives.
This was according to scientists of UP-Institute of Environmental Studies and Meteorology (UP-IESM) who are conducting their respective studies in the province. “Although there are still some stresses that can be observed in marine lives, however, these living things are surviving”, they added.
Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, scientist on fisheries and marine wildlife resources said that there are indications of some marine species in coastal areas affected by oil spill that are depleted and some transferred to another breeding ground. This was noted during the conduct of fisheries monitoring and analysis which is also in support to the study of Dr. Rodelio Subade, scientist for Socio economics Guimaras Integrated Coastal Management.
The initial study of Dr. Benjamin Vallejo in beach ecology and the coastal management program corroborated the findings of another study on health and on inter-tidal areas where the bunker oil remained for a period of time, and probably penetrated the food chain.
This finding results to the continued monitoring of the UP scientists in the presence of lead, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), specifically on water and crabs.
Initial results of a study conducted by Engr. Anna Rivera detected lead and nickel in Guimaras’ drinking water, and their volume exceeded the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water. On the other hand, water, crabs and shellfishes combined have a higher PAH.
The UP scientists also said that there are remain traces of bunker fuel in sea grasses and mangroves as shown in a bio-chemical study being conducted by Dr. Siringan.
Scientist clarified that are some toxic substance present in crabs and seashells but not with the fish.
Meanwhile, Gov. Felipe Hilan A. Nava said that the province is working hard in implementing the long term rehabilitation plan in order to revive the resources and to improve the economic status of the province.
“To some, the oil spill may better be relegated to the forgettable pages of history, a painful experience not worthy of being remembered. To all of us, it provided an opportunity to demonstrate our community spirit and resiliency in times of calamity, and a strong determination to pick up the pieces and continue on our quest for collective growth,” he said.
Gov. Nava thanked the UP-IESM, Dr. Rene Rollon, Dr. Flerida Cariño, Dr. Benjamin Vallejo, Dr. Tolentino Mora, Dr. Fernando Siringan, Dr. Flerida Cariño and Dr. Rodelio Subade of UP in the Visayas. “because of the studies of these scientists, the people of Guimaras were given a clear view on what is going on after the largest oil spill occurred in the country that primarily hit the island province”, the governor added.
The commemoration of the oil spill 3rd year anniversary is also participated by various agencies such as DENR, DA, BFAR, Municipal LGUs and other line agencies.
- picture below shows: Dr. Tolentino Moya discusses on hydrological impacts
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