Effects of the Oil Spill
Guimaras was once a very beautiful island with sweet mangoes, hospitable natives. It’s a simple island that exists peacefully with its majestic beauty until a big TRAGEDY hit it, leaving behind problems and a traumatizing experience.The so called tragedy was the OIL SPILL from the capsized M/T SOLAR 1, a ship that carries chemicals. The tragedy affected not just the sea but also the whole province.
The Effects of the Oil Spill on the Lives of the People
The people are among the worst affected by the oil spill. They thought that it was the end of their lives . They lost their jobs as fishermen. The oil spill owned the sea. The residents rely on fishing, which is their source of living. They hunger for a while until the GOVERNMENT gave them new means to survive. The hungry fisherfolk found a new source of income through the art of weaving. There were others, however, who were not accommodated, but the GOVERNMENT once again helped them. Some fisherfolk turned to guiding tourists and bikers around the island through the various trails. Most wanted to goback to fishing, when the fishes are back. Three years after the tragedy, the lives of GUIMARASNONS who were affected by the oil spill are now back to normal.
Effects of the Oil Spill on the Mangroves
The mangroves were also affected by the oil spill. They are deteriorated. They lost their capacity to photosynthesize. Their once green leaves to black after the oil covered it. Not only did the mangroves starved to death, some of the seedlings were found to be abnormal. For some reason the oil spill caused the abnormalities. A study done by UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-VISAYAS discovered the abnormalities. Some of the mangroves show some signs of ALBINISM, which is characterized by paleness on the leaves and the stem. The researchers continue their study how to cure the abnormalities of the mangroves.
Effects of the Oil Spill on Marine Life
Guimaras is rich in marine life. It is an island surrounded by a huge body of water. Marine life, however, was affected by the oil spill. Seaweed farms were destroyed and covered with black, slimy, foul-smelling oil. The marine sanctuaries that once protected marine life around the island died due to the spill. The vibrant sea filled with all kinds of marine life has become a silent cemetery of dead species.
A Video From You Tube giving some ideas on the oil spill tragedy
Source: You Tube
