Samar shellfish ban lifted

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

Nearly three months ago, the BFAR imposed a shellfish ban in Irong-Irong Bay, Cambatutay Bay and Calbayog waters in Samar after water samples from the three bays were found to be positive of the red tide toxin.

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

The lifting of the ban took effect on Sept. 4.

With the lifting of the shellfish ban, Granali said the eating, selling and transport of green mussel (tahong) harvested from the three bays are now allowed.

The BFAR imposed the shellfish ban last July.

The red tide toxin was first noted in Cambatutay Bay in Tarangnan town, Samar, on July 1. Several days later, the toxin had spread.