BFAR raises red tide alert in some coastal areas in Visayas, Mindanao

BOHOL folk collect seashells despite a red tide scare in Tagbilaran Bay. In the background is Dauis town in Panglao Island. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has raised a red tide alert in some coastal areas in Visayas and Mindanao including in Bohol due to red tide toxins. Cebu Daily News file photo / SHERWIN SAPONG

MANILA, Philippines — Red tide levels could be high in some coastal areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said on Tuesday.

In its advisory, the BFAR said that the areas below are positive for paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limit:

• Coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol
• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
• Coastal waters of San Benito in Surigao del Norte

READ: Red tide alert stays in parts of Masbate, Visayas, Mindanao – BFAR

“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas shown above are Nnot safe for human consumption,” the BFAR said.

Meanwhile, other marine products such as fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs are safe as long as they have been prepared properly.

READ: Fish production in PH down 60-80% amid West Philippine Sea issue, overfishing

“Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe or human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” it added.