MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Wednesday said shellfish, including mussels and shrimp fry (alamang), in eight areas were found positive for red tide.
BFAR information chief Nazario Briguera said the following coastal waters have been found positive for paralytic shellfish poisoning:
– coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate
– coastal waters of Panay
– coastal waters of President Roxas and Pilar in Capiz
– coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol
– Dumanquillas Bay In Zamboanga del Sur
– Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur
“Hindi ligtas kainin ang mga shellfish na nabaggit sa mga lugar dahil ito ay nakakalason,” he said in a public briefing.
(Shellfish from the said areas are not safe for eating because they are poisonous.)
However, he said fish and other seafood like galunggong, squid, shrimp and crabs are still safe for consumption.
“Tiyakin lang na ang mga ito ay sariwa, nilinis nang maayos, at tinanggalan ng lamang-loob bago lutuin,” Briguera said.
(Just make sure that these are fresh, cleaned thoroughly, and gutted before cooking.)
Red tide takes place when algae or plant-like microorganisms thrive in water, causing discoloration due to a high concentration of toxic and nontoxic algae.