The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Visayas partially lifted Nov. 19 the fishing ban in Bais City and Manjuyod in Negros Oriental after test results showed safe parameters for humans.
In a local advisory, the BFAR7 said fish samples collected from the areas affected by the wastewater spill in Bais City and Manjuyod have “passed the sensory evaluation using a three-tiered procedure to detect the presence and intensity of any molasses taint.”
The results were from the assessment conducted Nov. 14 by BFAR7, in coordination with BFAR-National Fisheries Laboratory Division.
Citing water analysis done Nov. 11 and 12, BFAR7 also said “water quality parameters are within acceptable limits and no detectable coliform bacteria were found.”
The public can now resume fishing, collecting, and gathering aquatic organisms, including fin fish, crustaceans, and seaweeds in the impacted areas, it added.
However, collection, gathering, and consumption of all types of shellfish and “alamang” remain forbidden due to high levels of plankton and Vibrio spp. found in North Bais Bay.
Vibrio are bacteria that naturally inhabit coastal waters and can lead to an infection known as vibriosis if ingested or introduced through a wound.
BFAR7 urged fish cage operators to safeguard their stocks since hypoxic situations might arise from algal blooms.
Additional updates will be provided once the algal bloom decreases and heavy metal testing indicates that concentrations are under thresholds, the agency said.
BFAR issued a local advisory prohibiting fishing activities and the collection of shellfish and “alamang” Oct. 28, two days after the Universal Robina Corp.’s (URC) Bais Distillery’s spent wash spill that caused water discoloration and fish kills in the affected areas.
Daily monitoring is conducted by the URC, Philippine Coast Guard, BFAR, Silliman University, and other government and private entities to ensure public health and safety.
Meanwhile, Lt. Marionne Abigal Enopia, Coast Guard Station-Negros Oriental (CGS NOR) commander, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that the “water is clear” in the affected areas based on their daily monitoring.
In an advisory yesterday afternoon, the CGS NOR also lifted the suspension of passenger and tourism-related trips to and from the Manjuyod White Sandbar area.
Coast Guard personnel will continue to coordinate with local government units and concerned agencies to ensure maritime safety, environmental protection, and the welfare of all travelers and stakeholders, it added. ||
