Greenpeace: Tens of thousands about to lose livelihoods in Manila Bay but lack information and support

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) today released its estimates of the MT Terranova oil spill’s effects on the fishing communities in the provinces surrounding Manila Bay. Greenpeace climate campaigner Khevin Yu said,

“On Monday a team from Greenpeace, myself included, went to Cavite City and the municipalities of Tanza, Rosario and other areas to validate data from Karagatan Patrol[1] on possible areas that may be affected by the oil spill.

“What we gathered is that these communities and their local government units need more information and support regarding the oil spill and the government response. Communities and local officials told us that they were advised to monitor the oil spill, but as of this afternoon, no information has yet been provided to them about oil spill mitigation and safety measures.

“BFAR estimates that tens of thousands of fisherfolk in Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Cavite, are going to be affected, with monthly revenue loss of as much as PHP83.8 million in Bataan and above PHP70 million in Bulacan and Pampanga.[2] But even with the impending impacts on fisheries, communities say that no livelihood plans have yet been communicated to them. This is troubling especially in the wake of these estimates of the economic damage the spills may have on coastal areas. The focus of all concerned, especially the national government, should be containing the spill and minimizing its effects on livelihoods in fishing communities—which will be lasting and extensive.

“Local government units and communities need more information and support to be able to prepare adequately for these impacts. Responding agencies should be transparent with information pertinent to the spills—including what they are doing to hold not just the ship owners, but also the owner of the cargo, accountable.

“Even after the tankers have been salvaged and the fisherfolk around Manila Bay allowed to fish again, the crises brought about by the fossil fuel industry will continue. Greenpeace is calling on the Marcos Administration to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable and make them pay for damages to ecosystems, community livelihoods, and health.”

Hi-res photos can be downloaded HERE.

Caption for photos:

Cavite’s coastal communities face a looming threat from the recent oil spill disaster from the sunken oil tanker MT Terranova, which contained 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel. Based on satellite image projections, as weather and marine conditions continue to be erratic, these coastal communities may soon be affected by the oil spill.

Greenpeace visited the communities to document the situation and demands that President Marcos Jr. hold the fossil fuel industry accountable and make them pay for damages to ecosystems, community livelihoods, and health.

© Noel Celis / Greenpeace

Notes to editors:

[1] Karagatan Patrol map

[2] Oil spill could affect 11,000 Bataan fisherfolk – BFAR