THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is endorsing further research on microplastics following a positive result indicating the presence of microplastics in bangus or milkfish from certain fish farms in the Philippine Island of Mindanao.
According to the findings of the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP), approximately 60% of the examined bangus in Mindanao were found to have microplastics in their stomachs.
In a report by Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, Nazario Briguera, the spokesperson for BFAR and Head of the Information and Fisherfolk Coordination Unit, mentioned that this is not the first time the issue of microplastics has surfaced.
But there is currently no established fact or information about the impact of microplastics on human health.
‘’Well, the DOST said it may affect the fish’s growth, but again, microplastics, even in the international setting, do not have extensive studies yet,’’ Briguera said.
BFAR is willing to collaborate with other agencies to expand research on the effects of microplastics on human health.
He emphasized the need for additional research on microplastics after identifying traces of pollutants in certain fish species, particularly bangus.
This is why BFAR is actively supporting the advocacy for comprehensive protocols and research studies for policy-making regarding microplastics.
‘’We support what the DOST is saying that there needs to be a harmonized protocol, a collective effort of institutions and organizations to have comprehensive information and research studies on microplastics,’’ he added.
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5 micrometers, invisible to the naked eye.
They can enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion.
The primary cause of microplastics is the plastic used in product packaging that becomes waste and ends up in canals, rivers, and eventually the sea.
To address this issue, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga previously urged large corporations to take the lead in collecting plastic waste.
‘’We call them obliged enterprises, these are corporations with a capital of P100-M and above, that truly produce packaging in their operations,’’ Sec. Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said.
The secretary also mentioned that over 140 million plastic sachets are flowing into the ocean and that aside from the environmental threat of microplastics, it also poses a danger to the livelihood of fishermen.
‘’These plastics poison our fish farms and choke our coral reefs. The livelihood of our fishermen and the fish we consume daily are at risk as our fish eat microplastics,’’ she added.
The DENR chief is also urging companies to take responsibility for collecting the plastic waste they manufacture for their products.
The DENR also aims for companies to collect 80% of their plastic production by 2028.
