Toxic red tide detected in four areas, BFAR says

Four areas in the country were found to have toxic red tide based on shellfish collected from them, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said on Friday.

The affected areas are the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran in Bohol; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur, the BFAR said in a shellfish bulletin.

Shellfish collected from these areas were found to be positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit.

"All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas shown above are NOT SAFE for human consumption," the BFAR said.

However, it said that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs, provided they are fresh, washed thoroughly, and with internal organs removed before cooking, are safe for human consumption. —KG, GMA News