The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has confirmed that several areas in the Bicol Region are now free from red tide toxins.
The following coastal waters have all tested negative for the harmful toxins:
- Milagros, Masbate,
- Mandaon, Masbate,
- Sorsogon Bay; and,
- Juag Lagoon in Matnog, Sorsogon
With this development, harvesting and consumption of shellfish from these areas are now permitted again.
This news brings relief and joy to the local communities, as they can safely consume shellfish once more.
Despite this positive development, BFAR continues to remind the public to avoid shellfish from certain areas that remain positive for red tide toxins.
The consumption of shellfish from these areas is still considered unsafe:
- San Benito, Surigao del Norte
- Dauis, Bohol
- Tagbilaran City, Bohol
- Dumangquillas, Zamboanga del Sur
