BFAR raises red tide alert in 9 provinces’ coastal areas

The waters off Tagbilaran Bay—specifically between Tagbilaran City and Dauis town on Panglao Island–have the presence of red tide toxin. (Photo: Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas)

TAGBILARAN CITY—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has raised a red tide alert in some coastal areas in the country, warning against the consumption of shellfish.

In a statement released on Monday, the BFAR said all types of shellfish, including alamang, from the coastal areas of Dauis and Tagbilaran City were not safe for human consumption.

Other areas covered by the red tide alert were:

• Puerto Princesa Bay in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Milagros, Masbate
• Tambobo Bay, Siaton in Negros Oriental
• Daram Island, Zumarraga in Western Samar
• Irong-Irong and San Pedro Bays in Western Samar
• Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte
• Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar
• Balite Bay, Mati City in Davao Oriental
• Lianga Bay and coastal areas of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur

BFAR added that the coastal areas of Bataan (Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa, Orani, Abucay and Samal) and Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay sa Palawan are also positive for red tide toxins.

“Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” the BFAR said.

TSB