A fisherman from Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila (Photo courtesy of EcoWaste Coalition)
According to the report “Aquatic Pollutants in Oceans and Fisheries,” chemical pollution is the bigger culprit since it “compromises reproduction, development, and immune systems among aquatic and marine organisms”.
“As a fishing dependent and archipelagic nation, it is incumbent on us to insist and support global and local action that will prevent and control chemical and waste pollution from all sources, which is making the ocean ecosystems sick and incapable of meeting the huge demand for fish,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition.
The group is a participating organization of the International Pollutants Elimination (IPEN), which, along with the National Toxics Network (NTN) of Australia, published the report.