BFAR trying to ‘sort out’ toxic metal issue with EU

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is trying to “sort out” with the European Union Commission adverse findings on cadmium levels in Philippine sardines being exported to EU member countries.

According to BFAR Director Malcolm Sarmiento, the sardines export of one local manufacturer was recently rejected by the EU due to findings of unacceptable levels of cadmium.

In an interview, Sarmiento downplayed the rejection, pointing out that only one manufacturer was involved and that the level found by the EU is still within “acceptable” parameters.

“We are sorting it out,” Sarmiento assured, “we will clarify it with the EU. It is no cause for alarm.”

Cadmium is a metal element that is toxic even in low concentrations and bioaccumulates in organisms and ecosystems. Cadmium has been found to be carcinogenic and may cause poisoning and damage to the respiratory system if inhaled, and to the liver and kidneys if ingested.

Sarmiento assured that the BFAR monitors and tests all Philippine-grown and caught fish as well as the water.

The BFAR, Sarmiento said, just recently issued an assurance that bangus and tilapia grown in fish pens/cages in the Laguna de Bay are safe for human consumption.

Sardines, on the other hand,  are small pelagic fish that are captured in the open seas, he added.

In another development, the BFAR plans to strengthen an already existing Administrative Order on fishery management that would allow the agency to impose sanctions and penalties on commercial and small fishermen who do not observe sustainable fishery management.

By strengthening the existing AO, Sarmiento said BFAR will have additional power to confiscate and penalize commercial and small fishermen who do not observe sustainable fish management measures.

One simple tool that BFAR will be distributing to small fishermen is a “fish ruler” to measure their catch and determine if the fish catch has reached a mature size.

If it is below the recommended size, the fish should be released to allow the immature fish to grow to the right size.

Only mature fish that has already spawned should be caught to ensure that their species will continue to regenerate.

The fish ruler or “panukat isda” is an educational tool/assistance being extended by Incofish, a project of the World Fish Center in Los Baños, Laguna.