BFAR: 13 areas found positive for toxic red tide

Thirteen areas in the Visayas and Mindanao were found positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said Friday.

In its latest bulletin, BFAR said that all types of shellfish and acetes from the following areas are not safe for human consumption:

•    Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon
•    Irong-Irong Bay in Western Samar
•    Cambatutay Bay in Western Samar
•    Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur
•    Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur
•    Balite Bay, Mati City in Davao Oriental
•    Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
•    Murcielgaos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte
•    Murcielagos Bay in Misamis Occidental
•    Coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol
•    Coastal waters of Calubian in Leyte
•    Coastal watesr of Milagros in Masbate
•    Coastal waters of Daram Island in Western Samar

“Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” BFAR said.

The bulletin also contains the list of areas free from toxic red tide, including Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte and Tambobo Bay, Siaton in Negros Oriental. — DVM, GMA News