The gathering, sale, and consumption of shellfish from six areas in the country are prohibited because of the reported presence of red tide toxin.

The areas are identified to be in the provinces of Eastern Samar, Masbate, Bohol, Samar, Zamboanga del Sur, and Surigao del Norte.

These areas are the coastal water of Milagros town in Masbate, coastal water of Dauis town and Tagbilaran City in Bohol, Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, San Pedro Bay in Samar, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, and the coastal water of San Benito town in Surigao del Norte. 

According to Shellfish Bulletin No. 5, series of 2024, posted by the Office of Civil Defense 7, all types of shellfish and krill or “alamang” (Acetes sp.) gathered from the areas listed are not safe for human consumption.

However, fish and squids, shrimps and crabs are safe to be consumed provided that these are fresh and washed thoroughly, and that internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Residents are urged to get in touch with the nearest Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources office or coordinate with their respective Regional Surveillance Units and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for possible health effect of shellfish poisoning.