BFAR: Shellfish in Zamboanga, Biliran, Samar remain positive for red tide toxin

Shellfish collected and tested from waters of Zamboanga, Samar, and Biliran remain positive for toxic red tide, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said on Thursday.

In its latest bulletin, the BFAR said the shellfishes collected and tested from the following areas are still positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit:

• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
• Coastal waters of Daram Island and Irong-Irong Bay in Samar
• Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar
• Coastal waters of Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay 

“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp or alamang gathered from the areas shown above are NOT SAFE for human consumption,” the BFAR advisory said.

Meanwhile, BFAR said fish, squid, shrimp and crab are considered safe for human consumption, provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

The agency also said the coastal waters off Biliran Island are now free from toxic red tide.
—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News