The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has been monitoring the situation in fishing areas that are potentially affected by the oil spill following the capsizing and sinking of the motor tanker (MT) Terra Nova near the coast of Lamao Point in Limay, Bataan on July 25, 2024. Continuous fish sampling is being conducted in affected areas in Region 3, CALABARZON, and the National Capital Region (NCR) for sensory evaluation for traces of oil and grease, and consequent laboratory testing for presence of harmful substances, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), to determine if fish and other seafood in these areas are free from contamination and safe for public consumption. Results from the sensory evaluation of fish samples collected from Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite showed some degree of tainting with petrochemicals, albeit before any oil slicks were noticed in the area. Meanwhile, fish samples gathered from Tanza, Cavite City, and Naic remain free from petrochemical contamination at the time the samples were taken. Nevertheless, the Bureau maintains that as a precautionary measure, fish harvested from areas where oil slicks are observed be deemed unsafe for human consumption. This is to avoid incidents of food poisoning as a result of ingesting contaminated seafood. On July 30, 2024, the local government of Bataan imposed a fishing ban in Limay, Bataan. Meanwhile, a no-catch zone for all types of shellfish (i.e. including mussels, blue crabs, mud crabs, and clams) has been declared in the province of Cavite on July 31, 2024, relative to the oil spill incident. As of this writing, monitoring of catch landings and market inspection are being conducted to ensure the safety and quality of fish and other seafood being sold in local markets. Ground validation is also continuous across affected areas, simultaneous with the validation of affected fisherfolk according to the FishR database to ensure accurate documentation and provision of support to impacted communities in coordination with the local government units. DA-BFAR urges fisherfolk and the general public to remain calm and monitor the situation through updates issued by government authorities including DA-BFAR. For information and concerns, the public may communicate with the nearest DA-BFAR office or email at do@bfar.da.gov.ph.