THE coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate are now free of red tide poison, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said in a Shellfish Bulletin No. 35 dated Oct. 30.

However, it noted that the coastal waters of Irong-Irong Bay, Maqueda Bay, Villareal Bay and coastal waters of Daram Island in Western Samar; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Carigara Bay in Leyte; Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay and Puerto Princesa Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan; and coastal waters of Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate, all remain positive for the paralytic shellfish toxin.

The bureau warned the public that all types of shellfish and alamang in the following areas contain more than the regulatory limit of shellfish poison, making them unfit for harvest, selling, and consumption.

However, the agency said that several species – including of fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs – 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

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR