The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has recommended maintaining fishing ban in six towns affected by the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro.

The BFAR said its recent analyses revealed varying levels of oil, grease, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contaminants in water and fish samples across all sampling sites in the province.

It recommended maintaining fishing bans in Calapan, Naujan, Pola, Bansud Gloria, and Pinamalayan due to the lingering risk of contamination from remaining traces of oil in the area.

However, fishing activities in Bongabong, Bulalacao, Mansalay, Roxas, Baco, Puerto Galera, and San Teodoro are deemed acceptable based on the current analyses.

The Department of Agriculture-BFAR has been closely monitoring the effects of the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro on fishing areas.

Regular collection and testing of water and fish samples have been conducted to assess the presence of oil, grease, and PAH, harmful chemicals that can affect marine organisms and pose risks to public consumption and fishing activities.