THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a new red tide covering Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur and the coastal waters of San Benito in Surigao del Norte.
Based on BFAR’s latest laboratory results, shellfish collected from these areas tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit.
“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas are not safe for human consumption,” it said.
Earlier, BFAR raised the red tide warning in Panay Island’s Sapian Bay and the coastal waters of Pilar and President Roxas towns and Roxas City in Capiz; Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo; Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; and Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur.
Ingestion of PSP affected shellfish may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tingling sensation in the lips and extremities, numbness, and in severe cases, death.
Meanwhile, fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that these are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking, the BFAR said. — Adrian H. Halili
