Philippines oil spill may have an ecological impact long after clean up

On March 1, the MT Princess Empress oil tanker sank in the Philippines, causing a massive oil spill in the Verde Island Passage (VIP), the world's "centre of the centre of marine shore fish biodiversity." The spill affected coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass in four provinces, disrupting the lives of 26,719 registered fisherfolk. While cleanup operations are completed, experts warn of long-term ecological impacts. The incident has intensified calls to declare the entire VIP a marine protected area. Proposed legislation is pending in the Philippine Senate, with advocates emphasising the need to safeguard the VIP's rich marine habitats and resources. (Mongabay)