The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a shellfish ban in 8 coastal areas after it was found positive for red tide.
In its latest bulletin, the bureau said the paralytic shellfish poison in those areas is "beyond the regulatory limit."
BFAR information chief Nazario Briguera said the following coastal waters had been found positive for paralytic shellfish poisoning:
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coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate
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coastal waters of Panay
coastal waters of President Roxas and Pilar in Capiz
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coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol
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Dumanquillas Bay In Zamboanga del Sur
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Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur
According to Briguera, mussels and tiny shrimps are not safe for human consumption during this time.
However, he said fish and other seafood like galunggong, squid, shrimp, and crabs are still safe for consumption.
“Ligtas pa rin namang kainin ang mga isda gaya ng galunggong, pusit, hipon, at alimasag na nakukuha o nahuhuli sa mga binanggit na lugar. Tiyakin lamang na ang mga ito ay sariwa, nilinis nang maayos, at tinanggalan ng lamang-loob bago lutuin,” Briguera said.
(Fish like galunggong, squid, shrimp, and crabs are still safe for consumption. Just make sure that these are fresh, cleaned thoroughly, and gutted before cooking.)
A red tide occurs when algae or plant-like microorganisms thrive in water, causing discoloration due to a high concentration of toxic and nontoxic algae.
