The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has declared 21 coastal areas in 12 provinces across the country as “positive” for red tide.
In its latest Shellfish Bulletin, BFAR through its Information and Fisherfolk Coordination Unit, said that based on the latest laboratory results conducted together with concerned local government units (LGUs), several coastal areas remain positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.
These are Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa, Orani, Abucay, and Samal in the province of Bataan; Honda and Puerto Princesa City in Palawan; Coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate; Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon; Coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Tambobo Bay, Siaton in Negros Oriental; Coastal waters of Daram Island, Zumarraga, Cambatutay, Irong-irong, Maqueda, and Villareal Bays in Western Samar; Coastal waters of Calubian, Leyte, Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City, and Carigara Bay in Leyte; Coastal water of Biliran Islands; Coastal waters of Guiuan in Eastern Samar; Balite Bay, Mati City in Davao Oriental; Lianga Bay and Coastal waters of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur; and Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur.
As such, all types of shellfish and Acetes sp., or alamang, gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption.
While fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe, the public is reminded that they only consume those that are fresh, and washed thoroughly before cooking.
It is also advised that internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed to avoid food poisoning.
Meanwhile, BFAR said that the coastal waters of Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay in Palawan, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; and San Pedro Bay in Western Samar are now free of the toxic red tides.