SINABI ng University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) na dahil sa patuloy na paglabas ng langis mula sa lumubog na MV Princess Empress sa Mindoro Oriental, posibleng mapunta ang karamihan ng oil spill sa kahabaan ng karagatan ng Naujan at Pola Bay.
“However, due to the weakening Amihan, some of the oil may flow northwards towards the Verde Island Passage by March 16, affecting coastal areas of Calapan, Verde Island, and some parts of Batangas. The oil spill threatens the global center of marine biodiversity located in the Verde Island Passage (VIP),” sabi ng UP-MSI.
Ang VIP ay ang bahagi ng karagatan sa pagitan ng Batangas at Mindoro at ito’y may pinakamataas na konsentrasyon ng isda, corals, crustaceans, molluscs, seagrasses, and mangroves.
“The VIP is also home to endangered and threatened species including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, humphead wrasses, giant groupers, and giant clams,” dagdag ng UP-MSI.
“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,” ayon pa sa UP-MSI.
Oil spill posibleng umabot sa Verde Island Passage
