Toxic red tide detected in three areas in Visayas, Mindanao

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday said three areas in Visayas and Mindanao were identified to have toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit.

These are the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and coastal waters of San Benito in Surigao del Norte.

In its Shellfish Bulletin dated June 10 and released on Tuesday, the BFAR said shellfish collected from these waters were still positive for paralytic shellfish poison.

"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, fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs may be safely eaten if these are fresh and washed thoroughly, and their gills and intestines and other internal organs are removed prior to cooking. —KG, GMA Integrated News