Red tide hits Lanao del Norte coastal town
ILIGAN CITY—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned against the consumption of shellfish harvested from Baroy town in Lanao del Norte province after red tide (harmful algal bloom) was monitored.
In a Nov. 5 advisory, BFAR national director Eduardo B. Gongona urged the public “to refrain from eating, gathering or harvesting, transporting or marketing shellfish from Baroy until such time that toxicity level has gone down below the regulatory limit.”
On Saturday, Noel Saldajeno, BFAR Lanao del Norte director, said they are doing foot patrols in Baroy town to admonish people who are gathering and selling shells “to safeguard public health and protect the shellfish industry.”
Saldajeno also said they are monitoring the adjacent coastal villages of Camalan, Pacita, Darumawang Ilaya and Darumawang Bukana of nearby Lala town to determine if the red tide has spread.
But Gongona said fish harvested from Baroy’s shores are safe for human consumption provided that these are fresh, washed thoroughly, and the gills, internal organs, and intestine are removed before cooking.
