3 coastal areas in Visayas, Mindanao positive for red tide

The coastal waters of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, has again been declared under red tide by the BFAR, along with Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur. This photo was taken in November 2021. (File photo by LEO UDTOHAN / Inquirer Visayas)

MANILA, Philippines – Don’t eat shellfish and acetes (“alamang”) in the meantime particularly if they come from the coastal waters in three areas in the Visayas and Mindanao that have tested positive for red tide, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned on Monday.

Red tide refers to the discoloration of seawater that contains toxic red dinoflagellates. These could cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) above the regulatory limit in humans.

In its Shellfish Bulletin No. 13, dated July 22, BFAR identified the following red tide areas:

• coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol
• coastal waters of Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
• coastal waters of Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur

The BFAR said, however, clarified that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs would be safe to eat if acquired fresh and washed thoroughly. Their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, should also be removed before cooking.

Meanwhile, the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate and Litalit Bay in Surigao del Norte are now free of the toxic and red tide, BFAR said.

– NICOLE FAYE AGCAOILI (INQUIRER.net INTERN)

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