Bangus Fish from Mindanao Tested by DOST Shows Presence of Microplastics
MICROPLASTICS – DOST test reportedly shows presence of microplastics from bangus fish in Mindanao.
Recent examinations conducted by the Department of Science and Technology National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) have revealed the presence of microplastics in Bangus fish sourced from several fish farms in Mindanao.
According to the study, approximately 60% of the examined Bangus fish were found to contain microplastics in their stomachs.
Microbial Oceanographer of the Marine Science Institute, Dr. Deo Florence Onda, explained that microplastics have a huge impact on smaller organisms. He expressed concern about the potential consequences.
“Kung ‘yung maliliit na isda ay naapektuhan at hindi na nila kayang lumaki dahil sa microplastics, anong mangyayari? Ano ‘yung aanihin natin? Kulang pa rin tayo sa pag-aaral kung ano ‘yung overall impact niya sa health ng tao,” Onda said.
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga explained that microplastics pose not only a threat to the environment but also to the livelihoods of fishermen.
She emphasized how these plastics poison fish farms and choke coral reefs, which are crucial sources of livelihood and daily sustenance for many people.
“Nilalason po ng mga plastic na ito ang mga palaisdaan at tsino-choke po nila ang mga coral reefs natin. Dito po nanggagaling ang livelihood ng mga mangingisda natin at ang mga isda na kinakain po natin araw-araw. Ang mga isda po natin ay kumakain ng mga microplastic,” Yulo said.
The primary sources of microplastics are plastic packaging materials that become waste and end up in canals, rivers, and eventually, the ocean. Yulo stated that over 140 million plastic sachets are being swept into the sea.
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A study in August 2022 revealed that the Philippines is among the countries greatly contributing to ocean pollution.
Yulo urged companies to take responsibility for collecting the plastic waste generated by their products. By 2028, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) aims for companies to collect 80% of the plastic they produce.
A student suggests that by 2050, there may be more plastic in the ocean than fish if the problem is not addressed quickly, according to Dr. Onda.
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