BFAR: 19 areas found positive for shellfish poison

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday announced that shellfish collected from 19 areas were found positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond regulatory limit.

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

• Malampaya Sound, Taytay in Palawan
• Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon
• Coastal waters Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol
• Tambobo Bay, Sianton in Negros Oriental
• Coastal waters of Daram Island, Zumarraga, San Pedro, and Cambatutay in Western Samar
• Coastal waters of Calubian, Leyte, Carigara Bay, and Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte
• Coastal waters of Biliran Islands
• Coastal waters of Guiuan and Matarimao Bay in Eastern Samar
• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
• Balite Bay, Mati City in Davao Oriental
• Lianga bay and Coastal waters of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur

BFAR said that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption as long as precautions are taken.

“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,” it said.

The bulletin also contains the list of areas free from toxic red tide, including Honda and Puerto Princesa Bays, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. -MDM, GMA News