TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite — Fish and shellfish taken from the coastal areas of Cavite are still not safe for human consumption.

This was made public by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in its latest bulletin regarding the oil spill from a sunken tanker in Bataan.

A team from BFAR went to several areas along the Manila Bay and Cavite to monitor and assess the quality of water. Fish samples have also been collected and analyzed for traces of oil, grease and other harmful contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).

After reviewing the results of the tests, BFAR has concluded that fish and shellfish taken from the coastal areas in Cavite from Bacoor City to Maragondon are not safe for human consumption.

However, fish and shellfish samples from Navotas, Manila, Parañaque, and Las Piñas were all found to be free from oil and grease contamination based on the results of sensory evaluation conducted on July 31, August 6 and August 12.

Likewise, fish samples from Batangas, particularly in Nasugbu, Lian and Calatagan, tested on August 9 all showed negative for traces of oil and grease.

Results of chemical testing for presence of PAH on samples collected from Bataan and Bulacan and submitted for analysis on July 29 showed that PAH concentrations are significantly below levels of concern and pose no significant risk to public health.