The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has advised the public to avoid eating shellfish from the waters in three areas in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Surigao del Norte.

According to BFAR, the Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and the coastal waters of Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, and San Benito, Surigao del Norte are affected by toxic red tide.

It means the water sample and the shellfish collected from the three areas have tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide.

A sample of the water in Tungawan town was tested after residents reported that the waters in the area turned red last month.

“On August 3, 2024, naglabas sila ng resulta na ang shellfish sample na pinadala natin sa central office ay nag-positive sa ELIZA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent) Method which is paralytic shellfish toxin. Umabot ito sa greater than 400 (micrograms) na supposedly, dapat less than 100 (micrograms of shellmeat) ang result,” BFAR-Zamboanga Sibugay Head, Shannie Lou Omar-Ursaiz, said.

BFAR advised the public to refrain from eating all types of shellfish and “alamang” to prevent poisoning.

BFAR said fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are, however, safe for human consumption.

“However, fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly. The internal organs such as gills and intestines shall be removed before (cooking),” Omar-Ursaiz added.