BFAR issues red tide warning in Visayas, Mindanao

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MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced Friday that coastal waters in Pontevedra, Capiz, have tested positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), exceeding the regulatory limit for the toxic red tide.

The agency’s advisory also noted that shellfish from some coastal areas have tested negative for the toxin, but several locations remain affected.

Areas still contaminated with PSP include:

• Sapian Bay, Capiz
• Coastal waters of Roxas City, Capiz
• Coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles, Iloilo
• Coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City, Bohol
• Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur
• Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur
• Coastal waters of San Benito, Surigao del Norte

BFAR warned, “All types of shellfish and Acetes, or alamang, from the areas listed above are NOT SAFE for human consumption.”

According to the bureau’s website, consuming shellfish contaminated with PSP can lead to gastrointestinal and neurological illnesses.

The public is advised against harvesting, selling, buying, or consuming shellfish and acetes from these areas.

However, BFAR clarified that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe to eat if they are fresh and thoroughly washed, with internal organs like gills and intestines removed before cooking.

In a follow-up to their previous advisory, BFAR reported that the coastal waters of President Roxas and Pilar, both in Capiz, are now clear of the toxins.

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