TACLOBAN CITY-The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 8 has issued the latest advisory on red tide occurrences in Eastern Visayas, based on laboratory examinations conducted by the BFAR Regional and National Fisheries Laboratories.
BFAR announced that seawater samples collected from San Pedro Bay in Basey, Samar are now negative for the dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense. This means it is safe to consume all types of shellfish and Acetes sp., locally known as “Alamang” or “Hipon,” from this area.
However, laboratory tests revealed that shellfish meat samples collected from Leyte, Leyte tested positive for Paralytic Shellfish Toxin (saxitoxin). To safeguard public health and protect the shellfish industry, BFAR has issued a strict warning to the public to refrain from gathering, selling, eating all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. from this area. Consumption of contaminated shellfish can lead to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).
BFAR has also maintained the shellfish ban in the following areas due to the presence of toxins beyond the regulatory limit: Daram Island, Samar;Irong-Irong Bay, Catbalogan City; and Matarinao Bay, Eastern Samar (covering General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo).
Harvesting, eating, and collecting all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. “Alamang” from these areas remain strictly prohibited. Violators of the shellfish ban will face penalties.
Filtered seawater samples from the following areas were found positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, a dinoflagellate that produces red tide toxin (saxitoxin).
The public is similarly advised against the gathering, selling, and consumption of shellfish and Acetes sp. from these areas to prevent PSP.
Despite the presence of red tide toxins in these areas, fish, squid, shrimp, and crab are safe to consume, provided they are fresh; their internal organs, such as intestines and gills, are removed and thoroughly cleaned.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
