Mercury-Contaminated Fish in Sorsogon Waters: A Threat to Human Consumption and Livelihood

Strategic Insights -

A recent study by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has revealed that various commercial fish species in the waters around Sorsogon province are unfit for human consumption due to high levels of mercury contamination. The affected fishing grounds are near the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RPP) of Lafayette Philippines, Inc. (LFPI), which has been involved in gold mining operations in the area. The mercury contamination is believed to be a result of toxic waste spills from the mining operations, which have affected local waters and fish populations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Five edible fish species (yellow fin tuna, cardinal fish, goat fish, parrot fish, and little spine siganid) tested in Sorsogon province had mercury concentrations ranging from 0.699 to 1.288 ppm, exceeding the standard limit of 0.075 ppm.
  • The highest concentration of mercury was found in yellow fin tuna, with a level of 1.288 ppm.
  • The affected fishing grounds are near the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RPP) of Lafayette Philippines, Inc. (LFPI), which has been involved in gold mining operations in the area.
  • Local government units have started giving food aid to families whose only source of livelihood is fishing, and a 15-year moratorium on fishing has been proposed to allow mercury contamination to subside.
  • Lafayette has denied using mercury in its gold processing.

Statistics:

  • Mercury levels in fish samples: 0.699-1.288 ppm.
  • Standard limit for mercury in fish: 0.075 ppm.
  • Mercury levels in water samples: 0.0044 ppm (double the acceptable level of 0.0022 ppm).
  • Estimated time for mercury contamination to subsidence: 15 years.
  • Number of fishing families affected: thousands.

Sources:

  • Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) documents obtained by the Sorsogon provincial legislative board.
  • Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Michael Defensor's order to temporarily suspend the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RPP) operations.
  • Interviews with Sorsogon Vice Governor Antonio Escudero and local government officials.