Red tide toxin detected in 6 coastal areas —BFAR

Six coastal areas in the country were found to be positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said Thursday.

In its February 22 bulletin, the BFAR said red tide toxins were detected in shellfish collected and tested from the following areas: 

• Milagros in Masbate

• Dauis and Tagbilaran in Bohol

• San Pedro Bay in Samar

• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur

• Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur

“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or "alamang" gathered from the areas above are not safe for human consumption. Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” it said.

Meanwhile, the agency said the coastal towns of Panay, President Roxas, and Pilar in Capiz province are now red tide-free. —Sundy Locus/ GMA Integrated News