Johncn
Contributor
Good News: United States Coast Guard meeting with Philippine officials regarding potential direct assistance with oil spill.
Very Bad News: Oil spill update from today...sounds quite grim.
"Yesterday, an expert from the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) warned that the country’s fish supply would be affected once the oil slick reaches the Verde Island Passage (VIP).
In a radio interview, UP-MSI associate professor Irene Rodriguez said that based on the spill’s trajectory, the oil slick is heading northward with Calapan possibly receiving most of it from March 20 to 22.
“Based on our observation on the extent of the oil slick, the tanker continues to discharge oil,” said Rodriguez, adding that with the weakening of the amihan, water currents would move the oil slick toward Calapan and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro and the shores of Batangas.
She said that once the oil slick reaches VIP – the body of water between the two provinces – it will immediately result in the death of marine resources at the water’s surface, including eggs, juveniles and other organisms.
“For the long-term impact, if the oil contaminates the Verde Island Passage, it will have an impact on the source of food and diversity in the area as the (VIP) is called the center of center of marine biodiversity. As the center, all the marine resources in the Verde Island Passage are concentrated and very important in our food source and the livelihood of affected residents,” Rodriguez added.
Very Bad News: Oil spill update from today...sounds quite grim.
"Yesterday, an expert from the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) warned that the country’s fish supply would be affected once the oil slick reaches the Verde Island Passage (VIP).
In a radio interview, UP-MSI associate professor Irene Rodriguez said that based on the spill’s trajectory, the oil slick is heading northward with Calapan possibly receiving most of it from March 20 to 22.
“Based on our observation on the extent of the oil slick, the tanker continues to discharge oil,” said Rodriguez, adding that with the weakening of the amihan, water currents would move the oil slick toward Calapan and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro and the shores of Batangas.
She said that once the oil slick reaches VIP – the body of water between the two provinces – it will immediately result in the death of marine resources at the water’s surface, including eggs, juveniles and other organisms.
“For the long-term impact, if the oil contaminates the Verde Island Passage, it will have an impact on the source of food and diversity in the area as the (VIP) is called the center of center of marine biodiversity. As the center, all the marine resources in the Verde Island Passage are concentrated and very important in our food source and the livelihood of affected residents,” Rodriguez added.
