BFAR: 8 areas test positive for paralytic shellfish poison

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) confirmed on Tuesday that shellfish from eight areas in the country have tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison.

In an advisory, BFAR warned residents in the areas against eating shellfish from the following areas:

• Irong-Irong Bay in Western Samar
• Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar
• Coastal waters of Leyte
• Carigara Bay in Leyte
• Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur
• Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Coastal waters of Mandaon in Masbate
• Coastal waters of Bataan in the towns of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal

BFAR said that shellfish caught from the areas are not fit for human consumption, Radyo Inquirer reported. The agency called on residents not to catch, sell, buy, and eat seafood from these areas as it may contain harmful toxins.

Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs caught from these waters can be consumed, BFAR said, but should be washed and cleaned thoroughly before cooking.

Meanwhile, the BFAR said that the Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Western Samar were already free from toxic red tides. /je