BFAR: Five areas positive for toxic red tide

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday advised the public not to consume shellfish collected from five areas found to be positive for toxic red tide.

The following areas were found to have paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit as of June 30, based on laboratory results conducted by BFAR and local government units:

• coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate;
• coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol;
• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur;
• Litalit Bay, San Benito in Surigao del Norte; and
• Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur.

The BFAR said shellfish and alamang (Acetes sp.) gathered from the above mentioned areas "are NOT SAFE for human consumption."

It however said that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs harvested from these areas are safe to eat as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed prior to cooking. —KG, GMA News