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Red tide alert up in Visayas, Mindanao waters

June 24, 2021 Cory Martinez 376 views

HARVEST of all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang in several coastal areas and bays in Visayas and Mindanao regions is prohibited due to the presence of toxic red tide in said areas.

Shellfish Bulletin No. 18 Series of 2021 issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), said shellfish collected at coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Tambobo Bay, Siaton in Negros Oriental; coastal waters of Daram Island, Cambatutay, and Irong-irong Bays in Western Samar are still positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.

The toxic red tide is also present in the coastal waters of Calubian, and Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte; Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte; Balite Bay, Mati City in Davao Oriental; and Lianga and Bislig Bays in Surigao del Sur.

The BFAR warned that all types of shellfish Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from said areas are not safe for human consumption. However, the BFAR adder that fish, squids, shrimps and crabs collected from the same areas are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and the internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

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