BFAR: 8 coastal areas positive for toxic red tide

Eight coastal areas in the country have been tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.

In a shellfish bulletin dated January 16, 2023, BFAR said that all types of shellfish and acetes, also known as alamang, collected from the following areas are not safe for human consumption:

• coastal waters of Milagros, Masbate;
• coastal waters of Panay, Capiz
• coastal waters of President Roxas, Capiz
• coastal waters of Pilar, Capiz
• coastal waters of Dauis, Bohol
• coastal waters of Tagbilaran City, Bohol
• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur;
• Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur

The agency, however, said that other seafood aside from shellfish collected from the said areas are safe for human consumption.

"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 BFAR said Irong-irong and San Pedro Bays in Samar are now free of the toxic red tide. —KBK, GMA Integrated News