THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said Carigara Bay in Leyte has tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison. “Carigara Bay in Leyte is now positive for red tide toxin,” read the bureau’s Shellfish Bulletin No. 28 dated Aug. 22. It added that coastal waters in the provinces of Western Samar, Palawan, Masbate, Negros Oriental and Davao Oriental remain affected by the red tide toxin. BFAR also identified the coastal waters of Irong-irong Bay, Catbalogan in Western Samar, Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay and Puerto Princesa Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, 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 coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo are also still positive with the red toxin The agency said all types of shellfish and acetes (alamang) gathered and collected from the said areas are not safe for human consumption. BFAR, however, said that several species – including of fish, shrimp and crab – are safe to eat provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking. — Janina C. Lim
