I conducted artisanal shrimp trawling near Esmeraldas, at a depth of 5 meters for 15 minutes. The catches of shrimp and small fish were abundant, but upon inspection, residues of oil dispersants were observed. I do not know which dispersant was used or the quantity applied, and it was only at the end of last week that it was revealed that the spill involved 25,000 barrels of oil.
The presence of oil dispersant residues in seafood raises serious concerns about food safety. Petroleum spills and their associated dispersants can introduce toxic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to bioaccumulate in marine organisms and pose risks to human health.
Key considerations:
Conclusion: Given the uncertainty surrounding the type of dispersant and the exposure levels, it is not advisable to consume seafood from an affected area without thorough contamination testing. It would be best to wait for official environmental and food safety assessments before considering consumption.
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