Shellfish ban up in 18 areas

MANILA, Philippines — A shellfish ban is up in 18 areas all over the country as red tide toxins continued to plague several provinces, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported on Monday.

The red tide-infested bays included the coastal waters of Puerto Princesa Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province; coastal waters of Dauis town and Tagbilaran City in Bohol province; Tambobo Bay of Siaton town in Negros Oriental province; coastal waters of Calubian in Leyte province; Balite Bay, Mati City, in Davao Oriental province; Lianga and Bislig Bays, and coastal waters of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur province.

Also positive for red tide are the coastal waters of Daram Island, and Zumarraga, Cambatutay and Villareal Bays in Western Samar province; Carigara and Ormoc Bays, and Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte; coastal waters of the island province of Biliran; and Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte province.

Could be fatal

The term “red tide” is used to describe the algal bloom phenomenon wherein the water is discolored by a high concentration of toxic and nontoxic algae, although the discoloration may also appear yellow, brown, green, or blue depending on the organisms involved, the BFAR said.

While it may be harmless, the high algal biomass can possibly cause human illnesses that could be debilitating or fatal.

As such, all kinds of shellfish and krill-like prawns from the mentioned areas must not be harvested, sold, or eaten.

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

—KARL R. OCAMPO