STATE OF CALAMITY, NO CATCH ZONE IN 8 CAVITE LOCALITIES DUE TO OIL SPILL

THE provincial government of Cavite has declared a state of calamity and a no catch zone in the eight coastal areas affected by the oil spill brought by the sinking of MT Terranova in Bataan on July 25.

Gov. Jonvic Remulla  on Wednesday posted the declaration on his official social media page.

Among the areas affected by the oil spill are Bacoor City and the municipalities of  Noveleta, Kawit, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate.

Due to the oil slick, the province declared a no catch zone for all shellfish such as mussels, crabs, and clams in the affected areas.

To protect the marine resources in the Marine Zone of Ternate, an improvised oil spill boom was installed by the  Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, PNP Maritime Group and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The provincial government  is currently conducting a meeting for the immediate distribution of relief goods for around 25,000 affected fishermen from the eight localities of the province. 

Last Monday, a Marine Science Investigatory Force from the Marine Environment Protection Command collected water samplings to confirm if the coastal waters in the province are contaminated with oil spill.

Various agencies are conducting coordination led by the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the provincial government of Cavite  regarding the serious ill effects of the disaster to the livelihood and the economy.

Authorities advised the public, particularly  the beachside residents, to be careful in consuming fish and seafood until the tests done on seawater come out.