BFAR: Red tide alert still up in 7 PH coastal areas

MANILA – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Wednesday cautioned residents against consuming shellfish and other seafood from seven coastal areas in the country which remain positive for red tide.

In Shellfish Bulletin No. 24, the BFAR said these include four coastal waters in Capiz and one each in the provinces of Iloilo, Bohol and Zamboanga del Sur.

“Shellfishes collected and tested from Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz, Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan); coastal waters of Pilar; President Roxas; 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 are still positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit,” it said.

Meanwhile, it said the coastal waters of Panay in Capiz are now free of red tide.

It advised the public that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the said areas are not safe for human consumption.

“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,” the BFAR added. (PNA)