Shellfish ban still up in 7 Visayas Mindanao areas

MANILA, Philippines — A shellfish ban remains in effect in seven areas in the Visayas and Mindanao due to the threat of red tide, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

In its latest bulletin, BFAR said shellfish from Sapian Bay and the coastal waters of Roxas City, Pilar and President Roxas in Capiz are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.

Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, the coastal waters of Gigantes Islands in Iloilo and coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol were also affected by red tide.

“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas are not safe for human consumption,” BFAR said. ”Fish, squid, shrimp and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.”

Officials said consuming shellfish affected by red tide could lead to numbness, drowsiness and respiratory paralysis.