Ban on gathering of shellfish in Southern Mindanao remains—Bfar

DAVAO CITY—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) in Southern Mindanao said it has not yet lifted the ban on gathering of shellfish and other bottom-feeder species at the Balite Bay in Davao Oriental, which it issued earlier this year, because of the presence of red tide there.

Fatma Idris, Bfar regional director, said local authorities had also reminded coastal communities near Balite Bay to refrain from harvesting and consuming shellfish and bottom-feeders such as small shrimps, which are commonly used in making bagoong or shrimp paste.

She said consuming such marine products from the Balite Bay could result in paralytic poisoning, caused by high concentration of algae and planktons in the area. Some of these organisms produce toxins that can harm humans.

“It can cause paralysis or even death if consumed,” Idris said, adding that market vendors were banned from selling the shellfish.

Idris said the red time phenomenon in Balite Bay was first noted early this year.

The sea or fresh water surface became brownish in color instead of the usual blue-green, which suggested that the area could be teeming with microorganism activity.

Isdris said the red tide was the “result of some environment factors such as siltation and sudden change between cold and warm weather.”

She said that other marine resources like fish were safe from consumption provided that these were thoroughly cleaned and that their internal organs such as gills and intestines were removed. RAM

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