11 areas in Visayas, Mindanao positive toxic red tide —BFAR

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Thursday said that 11 areas remain positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.

According to the latest shellfish bulletin, all types of shellfish and acetes, also known as alamang, gathered from the following areas are not safe for human consumption:

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

Meanwhile, the agency said that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs gathered from 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,” it said.

The bulletin also contains the list of areas free from toxic red tide, including the coastal waters of Zumarraga, San Pedro, Maqueda, and Villareal Bays in Western Samar; and Carigara and Ormoc Bay in Leyte. -Joahna Lei Casilao/MDM, GMA News