BFAR lifts ban on Samar shellfish

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has lifted the ban on shellfish from the three Samar bays after these were found to be negative of red tide toxins.

Nearly three months ago, the BFAR imposed a ban on shellfish caught in Irong-Irong Bay, Cambatutay Bay and Calbayog Bay in Samar, after water samples from the three bays were found laden with red tide toxin.

Justerie Granali, BFAR assistant regional director, said the bureau decided to lift the ban after tests conducted for three consecutive weeks showed that water samples from the three bays were negative of red tide toxins.

The lifting of the shellfish ban took effect on September 4 on the strength of Shellfish Bulletin No. 10 issued by the BFAR central office and signed by BFAR national director Asis Perez.

With the lifting of the shellfish ban, Granali said, the selling, transporting and consumptions of green mussels (tahong) harvested from the three bays were now allowed.

Cambatutay Bay is in the municipality of Tarangnan; Irong-Irong Bay stretches from Catbalogan City to part of Tarangnan while  Calbayog Bay washes the shores of the villages of Carayman, Poblacion, San Policarpo, Saljag, Tinambacan, Malajog and Maguino-o in Calbayog City.

The red tide toxin was first noted in Cambatutay Bay on July 1. Several days later, the toxin had spread to Irong-Irong Bay and Calbayog Bay.

Two persons died while 20 others were taken ill on July 1 after eating tahong from Cambatutay Bay.