Red tide warning up in Bolinao, Pangasinan

DAGUPAN CITY- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) imposed a ban on shellfish gathered from waters of Bolinao Pangasinan, after samples tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or red tide toxins.

The advisory was issued by BFAR Region I Regional Director Rosario Segundia Gaerlan on Thursday.

The public was enjoined to refrain from eating, gathering or harvesting, transporting and marketing all types of shellfish and alamang (Acetes sp.) until the toxicity level in the waters of the municipality decreases.

The PSP level found in the sample shellfish was way above the regulatory limit, Gaerlan said.

But she said fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs harvested from the said area are safe for human consumption, provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Red tide is a phenomenon in which the water is discolored by high algal biomass, or concentration of algae.

Health experts said the red tide toxin could cause gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurological disorders in humans.

It has been three years (April 2019) since Bolinao (and neighboring town Anda) was hit by red tide.

The areas were cleared after three weeks.

In November of that year, the waters of Baybay Norte and Cabalitian in Sual town were also affected by red tide. They were cleared of the toxin the following month.

The BFAR regularly monitors the sea water for red tide toxins to safeguard public health and protect the fishing industry, Gaerlan said.

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