BFAR detects shellfish poison in five coastal waters

MANILA, Philippines — Five coastal waters were found positive for paralytic shellfish poison, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned.

In a warning issued by BFAR in its website on Thursday, BFAR and local government units found that shellfish is not safe for human consumption in the following areas:

-Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar

-Cancato Bay in Tacloban City, Leyte

-Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur

-Coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol

-Coastal waters in Pampanga

However, BFAR noted that fish, squids, shrimps and crabs found in the affected areas are safe for human consumption provided that they are “cleaned thoroughly.”

Additionally, BFAR said Puerto Princesa Bay in Palawan and coastal waters of Bataan are now free from toxic red tides. /jpv