2 P’sinan towns now red tide-free

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) yesterday said shellfish samples collected from the coastal waters of Anda and Bolinao towns in Pangasinan are now “negative” for the red tide toxin.

BFAR Region 1 director Nestor Domenden told The STAR that his office is lifting its Regional Shellfish Advisory No. 1 issued March 6.

“In effect, shellfish harvested from the coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda, Pangasinan are now safe for human consumption,” he said.

He added that gathering, transporting and marketing of shellfish from the two towns are now permitted.

The BFAR though, in coordination with local government units, continues to monitor any harmful algal bloom as precautionary measure to safeguard public health. 

Meanwhile, BFAR Shellfish Bulletin No. 09 Series of 2014 dated April 10 signed by Director Asis Perez said that based on the latest laboratory results, shellfish collected from Dumanquilas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; the coastal waters of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal in Bataan; and the coastal waters of Milagros town in Masbate are still positive for red tide toxin.