Red tide toxin detected in parts of Bohol, Zamboanga del Sur, Surigao del Sur

Some parts of the waters of Bohol, Zamboanga del Sur, and Surigao del Sur tested positive for toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said on Friday.

The affected areas are:

• Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol;
• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and
• Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur.

The BFAR said shellfish collected from these waters were tested and showed they were "still positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit."

"All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas shown above are NOT SAFE for human consumption," it added in a shellfish bulletin signed by BFAR Director Atty. Demosthenes Escoto.

However, fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe to eat as long as they are fresh, washed thoroughly, and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed prior to cooking.

The agency also said the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate "is now free of the toxic red tide." —KG, GMA Integrated News