BFAR: Red tide seen in three coastal areas in Visayas, Mindanao

Three coastal areas in Visayas and Mindanao have tested positive for toxic red tide, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Acquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday.

The BFAR said shellfish collected from the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur were found to have paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide 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," the BFAR said in its bulletin.

The bureau however said fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe to be consumed as long as these are fresh, washed thoroughly, and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed prior to cooking. —KG, GMA News