Endangered marine resources of Verde Island Passage under threat from oil spill — experts

Endangered and threatened marine species and the livelihood of the residents living in areas affected by the oil spill from the sunken MT Princess Empress are under threat, according to Marine Science experts.

The Verde Island Passage (VIP), which is located between Batangas and Mindoro, "is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, home to thousands of unique species."

"With some of the highest concentrations of coastal fishes, corals, crustaceans, mollusks, seagrasses, and mangroves worldwide, it is the main source of food and livelihood for over seven million people," said experts from the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI) in a press release.

"The area also encompasses Puerto Galera, whose white sand beaches are internationally-acclaimed tourist destinations that are another vital source of revenue for local communities."

The marine scientists are currently working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), other universities, government agencies, and stakeholders to address the effects of the oil spill and stop it from spreading.

“The VIP is home to endangered and threatened species including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, hump head wrasses, giant groupers, and giant clams,” the UPD-CS MSI said.

“Damage from the oil spill may affect biodiversity (including endemic species only found in the Philippines as well as species yet to be discovered), tourism revenues, and food security in the area,” they added.

In the latest bulletin posted by the UPD-CS MSI, the oil is still leaking out of the sunken vessel as of March 19 and the visible oil slick is extending northwest towards the Verde Island Passage. 

“The Verde Island Passage represents a large portion of the country’s marine biodiversity, and is a vital resource for millions of people, past and present,” said UPD-CS MSI Associate Professor Irene Rodriguez. “If we work together, we can still hopefully safeguard it for future generations to come.”

The UPD-CS MSI is asking the public for help in monitoring the oil spill and to contribute geotagged images of sightings of the MT Princess Empress oil spill. The experts recommend the use of a GPS-enabled phone and a GPS camera app such as “GPS Map Camera” so that geotag location data can be preserved.

The MT Princess Empress sank on February 28 off Naujan while carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel. Aside from Oriental Mindoro, it has also reached nearby provinces like Antique, Palawan, and Batangas. -- BAP, GMA Integrated News