Shellfish ban up in Bataan

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — Consumption, sale and transport of shellfish harvested in the coastal waters of Bataan are prohibited, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said over the weekend.

The BFAR issued the ban after shellfish samples collected from the province tested positive for an algae that causes the red tide toxin, a paralytic shellfish poison, according to Joey Dizon of the provincial agriculture office.

The laboratory test was conducted on Friday and the results were known onSaturday.

The ban covers the towns of Abucay, Hermosa, Limay, Mariveles, Orani, Orion, Pilar and Samal as well as Balanga City.

The shellfish ban remains until the toxicity level found in green mussels or tahong, oysters and other shellfish go below the regulatory limit, meaning they are again safe for human consumption.

Fish caught in these areas are safe for human consumption, provided these are fresh, cleaned properly and the internal organs removed before cooking, the BFAR said.

Shrimps and crabs are not included in the ban.