Shellfish ban lifted in Bataan

MANILA, Philippines - The shellfish ban in the coastal waters of Bataan has been lifted after testing negative for red tide toxin, a report reaching the Department of Health said yesterday.

Shellfish gathered from Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal in Bataan are now safe to eat, the report said. 

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Shellfish Bulletin 15, however, said the ban remains in effect in six provinces across the country.

BFAR said the harvesting of shellfish in the waters off Milagros, Masbate; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar and Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental remains prohibited.

“Based on the latest laboratory results of BFAR and local government units, shellfish collected (in these areas) ….. are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit,” the report said. 

BFAR said all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the said 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 internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” the agency added.

Shellfish gathered from Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan and Bataan in Manila Bay; Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos, Wawa and Bani in Pangasinan; Masinloc Bay in Zambales; Mandaon in Masbate; Juag Lagoon in Matnog and Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon; Honda and Puerto Bays in Puerto Princesa City and Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay, Palawan; Pilar, President Roxas, Panay, Roxas City, Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz are free from red tide toxins.