BFAR: Red tide alert still up over 6 areas in Visayas, Mindanao

(File photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday reported that six coastal areas in the Visayas and Mindanao are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison or red tide toxin.

Under Shellfish Bulletin. No. 6, the BFAR said the following areas are still affected by red tide:

• Coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate
• Coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City, Bohol
• Coastal Waters of San Benito, Surigao del Norte
• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur
• San Pedro Bay in Samar
• Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar

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

But it noted that “fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs” are safe for human consumption as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly.

Their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, must also be removed before cooking.

The BFAR earlier issued a red tide advisory in these areas last March 16.