Red tide warning raised in Sorsogon, Masbate
LEGAZPI CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the Bicol region has issued a warning on Saturday against the gathering, selling and eating of shellfish along the coastal areas of Sorsogon and Masbate where the red tide toxin has been detected.
Nelson Bien, director of BFAR Bicol, said the laboratory examination by BFAR on shellfish samples along Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon and Asid Gulf in Mandaon town in Masbate was positive for paralytic shellfish toxin.
“Fish, crabs and squids can be eaten but all entrails must be removed and washed thoroughly before cooking,” Bien said.
Nonie Enolva, spokesperson of BFAR Bicol, said the “alamang” (krill) and all types of shellfish such as green mussel, carpet shell, pen shell, blood cockle, and oyster collected in the said areas would not be safe for consumption.
She said there were initial reports on food poisoning that killed one in Milagros town.
