MATARINAO BAY in Eastern Samar, and Villareal and Maqueda Bays in Western Samar have been added to the list of areas that tested positive for the red tide toxin, based on the latest laboratory results released by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Aug. 15. BFAR also said that the seven spots put on alert last week remain contaminated. These are:

3 more areas declared red tide positive

BFAR warned that all shellfish and alamang (Acetes sp.) from these areas are not safe for human consumption. Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs remain safe to eat, provided these are fresh and thoroughly cleaned before cooking. Red tide, according to BFAR, is a term used to describe all phenomena wherein the water is discolored by concentration of algae. The discoloration may not necessarily be red in color, but it may also appear yellow, brown, green, blue or milky, depending on the organisms involved. It may either be harmful or harmless. — BW

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