TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has declared the coastal waters of Daram Island, Samar, free from toxic red tide, allowing the resumption of shellfish harvesting in the area.
In its latest advisory issued on Thursday, February 6, BFAR confirmed that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp., locally known as “alamang” or “hipon,” from Daram Island are now safe for human consumption.
However, the agency cautioned that several areas in Eastern Visayas remain positive for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) due to red tide toxins exceeding regulatory limits. As a result, the shellfish ban remains in effect in the following areas: the coastal waters of Leyte, Leyte, and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar.
BFAR has strictly prohibited the harvesting, selling, and consumption of all shellfish and “alamang” from these areas, warning that violators of the shellfish ban will face penalties.
Additionally, filtered seawater samples collected from the coastal waters of Calbayog City, Samar, tested positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, a dinoflagellate that produces the red tide toxin saxitoxin.
BFAR urged the public to refrain from gathering, selling, and consuming shellfish and “alamang” from the affected waters to prevent the risk of PSP. Meanwhile, fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs from these areas remain safe to eat, provided they are fresh and properly cleaned by removing internal organs such as intestines and gills before cooking.
BFAR continues to monitor water quality and advises the public to stay updated through official advisories.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
