BFAR warns against eating fish from oil-contaminated waters

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Wednesday warned against the consumption of fish in areas affected by oil spills. 

The bureau released this announcement “to avoid incidents of food poisoning as a result of ingesting contaminated seafood,” it said in a statement.

Besides warnings on the risk of consuming fish from contaminated waters, fisherfolk and the general public were advised to monitor reports of the situation.

The agency also said that it will provide fuel subsidies, additional food packs and relief packages to mitigate the impact of the oil spill on the livelihood of displaced fishers. 

“The agency is also validating alternative areas for capture fishing,” the bureau said. 

It also reported that personnel were deployed to key landing sites and local markets in affected and neighboring areas to prevent oil spill-contaminated seafood from reaching consumers.

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