Red tide warning still up in Sorsogon

LEGAZPI CITY—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Bicol on Tuesday (Feb. 9) reiterated a ban on gathering and selling of shellfish from Sorsogon Bay because of high levels of red tide toxins in the area.

A BFAR bulletin issued on Tuesday said tests results showed that shellfish from Sorsogon Bay was still positive for paralytic shellfish poison beyond safe levels.

Nonie Enolva, BFAR Bicol spokesperson, said the agency advised local fisheries units in the towns surrounding Sorsogon Bay to intensify the campaign  against the collection, selling, transport and consumption of shellfish in the bay.

Enolva said the agency directed fishery officers to set up checkpoints in coordination with police to monitor the entry and exit of banned shellfish on main highways in the provinces of Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.

BFAR also found paralytic shellfish contamination in the coastal waters  of Western and Eastern Samar, Tacloban City in Leyte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Negros Oriental, Tagbilaran City in Bohol, Taytay in Palawan, Biliran Islands and  Zamboanga del Sur.

BFAR warned that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or “alamang” gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption.

BFAR added that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs are removed before cooking.

Enolva said the shellfish ban would stay until lifted.

TSB