EDITORIAL - Marine disaster

It’s not an oil spill or slick, according to the Philippine Coast Guard, but merely a “very thin oil sheen” – a film that is normally dispersed using chemical agents. That sheen, however, can still be toxic to marine life. Over the weekend, another province moved to declare a state of calamity over the oil sheen that has been spotted in certain areas of Manila Bay after two vessels sank while another ran aground off Bataan between July 25 and 27.

Bataan is expected to approve a recommendation to declare a state of calamity in the province. This will speed up the release of assistance to the thousands of residents whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the oil sheen that began forming after the oil tanker Terra Nova sank off Limay, Bataan on July 25. This was followed on July 27 by the tanker Jayson Bradley, which capsized off Barangay Mt. View, and the MV Mirola I, which ran aground in Biaan, both in Mariveles.

Despite assurances from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that fish and shellfish from the areas affected by the oil sheen can still be eaten if properly washed and cooked, demand is down. Last week, eight towns in Cavite were also placed under a state of calamity as fishing, their main source of livelihood, was affected. The oil sheen has also reached the coastal areas of Malolos, Bulacan. The province has requested the national government for oil slick booms to protect Bulacan’s aquatic resources and fishpond industry.

Authorities have noted that the mishaps involving the three vessels all occurred in shallow waters close to shore. The PCG and other agencies are reportedly investigating the possible involvement of the owners of the three vessels in illegal activities such as oil smuggling and the deliberate sinking or grounding of vessels for insurance.

Regardless of the outcome of the probe, authorities should also move to demand compensation from the ship owners for the damage to the marine environment and adverse impact on those who depend on the sea for their livelihood. If anomalies are established in the sinking and grounding of the vessels, the compensation must be greater. Shipping operators have a responsibility to ensure the seaworthiness and proper manning of their vessels. This responsibility is encouraged by the certainty of being penalized for acts or omissions that lead to environmental disasters.