The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned that fish and other seafood from the coastal waters of Bais and Manjuyod, Negros Oriental, should not be consumed until laboratory tests confirm that contaminant levels have fallen within safe limits.
In a technical report released on November 11, BFAR Region 7 said fish samples from the affected areas will only be declared safe once laboratory analyses confirm that heavy metals, pathogens, and bacterial counts are below the established safety thresholds.
The advisory follows a wastewater spill from the Universal Robina Corporation (URC) distillery plant in Bais City on October 26, which caused a massive fish kill and widespread contamination in North Bais Bay.
The distillery’s tailing pond, containing spent wash made mostly of molasses, ruptured and turned the water dark brown, lowering oxygen levels and increasing acidity.
BFAR’s water analysis showed zero dissolved oxygen in some sampling areas and pH levels below the safe range, conditions that suffocated fish and other aquatic species.
Around 14 tons of cultured shrimp were also reported lost.
The agency emphasized that collecting or eating dead fish and other aquatic organisms from the area poses serious health risks, as they may contain harmful pathogens, chemicals, and pollutants.
BFAR said it will continue to monitor water quality and fish safety, and conduct a full assessment of the extent of the spill’s impact before declaring the area safe for fishing and seafood consumption.*