Seven Western Visayas areas test positive for red tide toxin

Seven areas in the Western Visayas tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported over the weekend.

According to Shellfish Bulletin 20 dated August 26, 2023, the BFAR said the following areas tested positive for shellfish toxin:

• Saplan Bay (Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz; Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan);
• coastal waters of Panay;
• Pilar;
• President Roxas;
• Roxas City in Capiz;
• coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo;
• and the coastal waters of Altavas, Batan, and New Washington in Batan Bay, Aklan.

Aside from these areas, the BFAR said coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol, and in the Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur remained positive for toxic red tide.

“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas shown above are not safe for human consumption,” the BFAR said.

“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 added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News