Red tide hits shellfish, ‘alamang’ from 5 areas in Bohol, Samar, Zambo del Sur, Surigao del Sur

BFAR logo. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Shellfish and Acetes shrimp or “alamang” harvested from five coastal areas in Bohol, Samar, Zamboanga del Sur, and Surigao del Sur have tested positive for toxic red tide.

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) announced this on Wednesday, warning against the consumption of affected aquatic invertebrates since red tide causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tingling sensations, numbness, and in more extreme cases, death.

Red tide or the Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) is a marine toxin produced by a eukaryotic organism, according to the DA-BFAR.

“Shellfishes collected and tested from coastal waters of Daquis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; San Pedro Bay in Samar; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur are still positive for [PSP] or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit,” it said in an advisory.

However, the DA-BFAR also said that “[f]ish, squids, shrimps, and crabs” from the mentioned areas “are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.”

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