BFAR: 9 areas found positive for red tide beyond regulatory limit

Nine areas in the country were found to be positive for red tide, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said on Friday.

These areas were identified as:

1. coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate;
2. Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian) in Capiz;
3. coastal waters of Roxas City in Capiz
4. coastal waters of Panay in Capiz
5. coastal waters of President Roxas in Capiz;
6. coastal waters of Pilar in Capiz;
7. coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol;
8. Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and
9. Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur.

Shellfish from the above-mentioned areas were found to be positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) 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.

However, "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 cooking," it added. —KG, GMA Integrated News