Red tide alert up in 10 Visayas and Mindanao areas

DAGUPAN CITY – A shellfish ban has been imposed in 10 areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.

In shellfish bulletin 28 dated Oct. 21 the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said shellfish collected in the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol, Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur remain positive for paralytic shellfish poison or red tide toxins beyond the regulatory limit.

Also under red tide alert are Villarueal, Cambatutay and San Pedro Bays in Western Samar; Carigara Bay and the coastal waters of Leyte town, and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar.

The BFAR said all types of shellfish gathered from the areas are not safe for human consumption.

Fish, squid, shrimp 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.

In Pangasinan, all types of shellfish gathered from the coastal waters of Alaminos City, Bani, Bolinao, Anda and Sual towns are free from red tide toxins and safe for human consumption.