REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Toxic Red Tide Detected in 4 areas
Photo credit: BFAR
The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has released Shellfish Bulletin No. 11 Series of 2023, dated April 20, 2023, which reports that shellfish collected and tested from various coastal waters in the Philippines are still positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.
The affected areas include the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; San Pedro Bay in Samar; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur. DA-BFAR has advised the public not to consume any type of shellfish or Acetes sp. or alamang from these areas, as they are not safe for human consumption.
On the other hand, DA-BFAR reported that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs from these areas are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh, washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
The bulletin also provided a list of areas that are free from toxic red tide, which includes the coastal waters of Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan, and Bataan (Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa, Orani, Abucay, and Samal) in Manila Bay; mariculture areas in Infanta, coastal waters of Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos, Sual, and Wawa, Bani in Pangasinan; mariculture areas in Rosario, and Sto. Tomas in La Union; and many other areas.
DA-BFAR reminded the public to always check the latest shellfish bulletin to ensure the safety of their seafood consumption. They also urged the local government units and the shellfish traders to comply with the advisory and to help disseminate the information to the public.
The affected areas include the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; San Pedro Bay in Samar; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur. DA-BFAR has advised the public not to consume any type of shellfish or Acetes sp. or alamang from these areas, as they are not safe for human consumption.
On the other hand, DA-BFAR reported that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs from these areas are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh, washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
The bulletin also provided a list of areas that are free from toxic red tide, which includes the coastal waters of Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan, and Bataan (Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa, Orani, Abucay, and Samal) in Manila Bay; mariculture areas in Infanta, coastal waters of Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos, Sual, and Wawa, Bani in Pangasinan; mariculture areas in Rosario, and Sto. Tomas in La Union; and many other areas.
DA-BFAR reminded the public to always check the latest shellfish bulletin to ensure the safety of their seafood consumption. They also urged the local government units and the shellfish traders to comply with the advisory and to help disseminate the information to the public.
Apr 24, 2023
