BFAR: 16 areas remain positive for toxic red tide

Sixteen areas across the country remain positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced Friday.

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

• Irong-Irong Bay in Western Samar
• Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Western Samar
• Cambatutay Bay in Western Samar
• Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte
• San Pedro Bay in Western Samar
• Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur
• Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur
• Balite Bay in Davao Oriental
• Murcielgaos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte
• Tambobo Bay, Siaton in Negros Oriental
• Coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol
• Ormoc Bay in Leyte
• Carigara Bay in Leyte
• Coastal waters of Calubian in Leyte
• Coastal waters of Daram Island in Western Samar
• Coastal waters of Zumarraga in Western Samar

Meanwhile, fish squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for eating.

“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. -Joahna Lei Casilao/MDM, GMA News