By James Konstantin Galvez /Manila
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned the public against consumption of shellfish from the coastal waters in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Pangasinan, after weeks of sampling showed them positive for red tide toxin.
In a bulletin, BFAR announced that harvested shellfish and other fish species from the coastal waters of Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga Del Norte and Misamis Occidental are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the allowed limits.
Moreover, the agency said coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda in Pangasinan are now positive for red tide toxin.
“All types of shellfish and acetes or alamang gathered and collected from the areas of Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental are not safe for human consumption,” the agency said.
BFAR, however, said that several species—including fish, shrimps and crabs—are safe to eat, provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs, such as gills and intestines, are removed before cooking.
Meanwhile, several areas surrounding the Manila Bay continued to be free from red tide toxins, including the coastal waters in the cities of Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan and Bataan.
Major fishing areas of Alaminos, Wawa and Bani in Pangasinan; Masinloc in Zambales; coastal waters of Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate province; Juag Lagoon in Matnog and Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon province; Honda and Puerto Bays in Puerto Princesa City and Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay, Palawan province, are however unaffected by the toxins.
Also free from red tide are the coastal waters of Pilar, President Roxas, Panay Roxas City, Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz province; E B Magalona, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Valladolid, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, Cadiz City, Victorias City, Bago City, Binalbagan and San Enrique in Negros Occidental province.
BFAR said samples in the provinces of Eastern Samar, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Camiguin Island, had also tested negative for the toxin. — Manila Times
