16 areas positive for toxic red tide –BFAR

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday said that 16 areas have been found positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.

In its latest shellfish bulletin, BFAR said that all types of shellfish and acetes or alamang from the following areas are not safe for human consumption:

•    Irong-Irong Bay in Western Samar
•    Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Western Samar
•    Cambatutay Bay in Western Samar
•    Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte
•    San Pedro Bay in Western Samar
•    Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur
•    Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur
•    Balite Bay in Davao Oriental
•    Murcielgaos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte
•    Tambobo Bay, Siaton in Negros Oriental
•    Coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol
•    Ormoc Bay in Leyte
•    Carigara Bay in Leyte
•    Coastal waters of Calubian in Leyte
•    Coastal waters of Zumarraga in Western Samar

According to BFAR, fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are thoroughly washed while their internal organs and intestines are removed before cooking.

The bulletin also contains the list of areas free from toxic red tide, including Puerto Princesa Bay, the coastal waters of Leyte and Biliran Islands, and the coastal waters of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur. — DVM, GMA News