BFAR: Red tide alert still up in some coastal areas
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 — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned about consuming shellfish and acetes (alamang) collected in some coastal waters in the Philippines.
The affected coastal waters are as follows:
- Coastal waters of Roxas City in Capiz
- Sapian Bay in Capiz
- Coastal waters of President Roxas in Capiz
- Coastal waters of Panay in Capiz
- Coastal waters of Pilar in Capiz
- Coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo
- Coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran in Bohol
- Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
“All types of shellfish and Acetes or alamang gathered from the areas shown above are NOT SAFE for human consumption,” BFAR said in its advisory on Tuesday.
According to BFAR, all types of shellfish and acetes in the areas are positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) — a toxic red tide beyond their regulatory limit.
Based on the bureau’s website, shellfish contaminated by this PSP can cause gastrointestinal and neurological illnesses in humans when consumed.
The public is advised not to harvest, sell, buy, or eat shellfish and acetes from the said areas.
BFAR clarified that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe to consume as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly. Internal organs such as the gills and intestines must be removed before cooking.
Meanwhile, following their recent September 9 advisory, BFAR said that the coastal waters of Altavas, Batan, and New Washington in Batan Bay, Aklan, are now free from toxins.
