Shellfish ban up in six areas – BFAR

MANILA, Philippines — The shellfish ban in at least six areas in the country is still in effect amid the presence of toxic red tide, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said yesterday.

The BFAR identified Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, the coastal waters of Daram island, Zumarraga island, Irong-Irong Bay in Samar, coastal waters of Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay and the coastal waters of Leyte as among those affected by the red tide. 

“Shellfish collected and tested from (these areas) are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit,” the agency said.

 It warned that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the affected areas are not safe for human consumption. 

“Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly and the internal organs, such as gills and intestines, removed before cooking,” the BFAR said. 

Cleared from the red tide warning are Biliran Island, Cambatutay Bay in Samar and Carigara Bay in Leyte.