Red tide detected in 12 areas —BFAR

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit in several areas on Saturday. 

In its latest shellfish bulletin, BFAR said red tide toxins were detected in shellfish collected and tested from the following areas:

• Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur
• San Benito, Surigao del Norte
• Daram Island, Samar
• Zumarraga Island, Samar
• Irong-Irong Bay, Samar
• Villareal Bay, Samar
• Cambatutay Bay, Samar
• Maqueda Bay, Samar
• Matarinao Bay, Eastern Samar
• Cancabato Bay, Leyte
• Puerto Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay

"All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas shown above are NOT SAFE for human consumption. Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before," BFAR said.

Eating toxin-contaminated shellfish can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans, according to the BFAR.

After ingestion, the poison affects the nervous system, with symptoms occurring within 30 minutes. —VAL, GMA Integrated News