Shellfish collected from areas in the Provinces of Samar and Leyte are found positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that exceeds the regulatory limit, according to Shellfish Bulletin No. 17 issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Eastern Visayas on July 31, 2024.

The affected areas are Daram Island (Samar), Zumarraga Island (Samar), Cambatutay Bay in Tarangnan town (Samar), Matarinao Bay in General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo towns (Samar), and Cancabato Bay in Tacloban City (Leyte).

“Harvesting, eating, and collecting all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or “alamang” from these waters are strictly prohibited,” the latest advisory reads.

“Anyone violating this shellfish ban will face penalties,” BFAR 8 has warned.

Meanwhile, the Local Red Tide Warning remains in effect in the following areas: coastal waters of Biliran Island; Villareal Island in Villareal town, Samar; Maqueda Bay in Samar (Jiabong, Motiong, Paranas, San Sebastian, Calbiga, Pinabacdao, Hinabangan towns); Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City (Samar); coastal waters of Calbayog City (Samar); and Carigara Bay (Babatngon, San Miguel, Barugo, Carigara, Capoocan, Leyte towns) in Leyte Province. 

“Fish, squid, shrimp, and crab from these waters are safe to consume, as long as they are fresh, their internal organs such as intestines and gills are removed, and they are thoroughly washed with running water,” the advisory further stated.