THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said Daram Island’s waters in Western Samar has tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison. “Coastal waters of Daram Island in Western Samar is now positive for red tide toxin,” read the bureau’s Shellfish Bulletin No. 28 dated Aug. 25. BFAR also identified the coastal waters of Irong-irong Bay, Catbalogan in Western Samar; Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay; Puerto Princesa Bay in Palawan; the coastal waters of Mandaon and Placer in Masbate; Tambobo Bay, Siaton, in Negros Oriental; and Balite Bay, Mati in Davao Oriental as containing species of algae that produce toxins. In addition, Villareal and Maqueda Bays in Western Samar, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, and the coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo are also still positive with the red tide toxin. BFAR said all types of shellfish and acetes (alamang) gathered and collected from the said areas are not safe for human consumption, but added that several species – including of fish, shrimp and crab – are safe to eat provided they are fresh and are washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
