Toxic red tide seen in nine areas, BFAR says

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

The BFAR said shellfish collected from the following areas were found to be positive for paralytic shellfish poison toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit:

• coastal waters of Altavas, Batan, and New Washington in Batan Bay, Aklan;
• Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz; Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan);
• coastal waters of Panay in Capiz;
• coastal waters of Pilar in Capiz;
• coastal waters of President Roxas in Capiz;
• coastal waters of Roxas City in Capiz;
• coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo;
• coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; and
• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur.

"All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the area shown above are NOT SAFE for human consumption," the agency said.

However, considered safe for human consumption are fish, squids and crabs as long as these are fresh, washed thoroughly, and their internal organs are removed prior to cooking. —KG, GMA Integrated News