BFAR studying toxicity in waters before launching shellfish production program

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is studying the toxicity levels in several bodies of water ahead of its planned shellfish production program. According to BFAR Director Asis Perez in an interview over radio station DWIZ on Saturday, the bureau is consulting with the  Department of Health (DOH) and the University of the Philippines' Institute of Toxicology for a study on toxic-bearing organisms and red tide-affected areas to identify waters where shellfish production can be expanded. "This is the first step in determining the direction of the bureau in increasing fisheries resources, particularly low trophic organisms like shellfish and oysters," he said. An organism's trophic level indicates its place on the food chain. Shellfish have a very low trophic level, feeding on algae, which are on the lowest level. "We can open more bays for the cultivation of shellfish because it entails a low cost to raise and has high market value," said Perez. "We have to make sure that these bays are free from toxins." He added that said no areas have been identified yet for the program. At present the waters of Dumanquillas and Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga have tested positive for high concentrations of dinoflagellates, which results in a toxic harmful algal bloom (HAB) known as red tide. Because shellfish such as clams and oysters feed by filtering food particles from water, they can accumulate high levels of the toxin. Eating shellfish from areas with red tide could lead to the potentially deadly paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Perez added that BFAR should also  “proactively” prepare for an increase in tourist arrivals to the Philippines, which will also lead to a rise in demand for shellfish and other types of seafood. — BM, GMA News