ILOILO – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 6 has again issued a warning regarding the ongoing presence of red tide in several coastal areas, urging the public to avoid consuming shellfish from them due to safety concerns.
Affected areas include Sapian Bay in Capiz, Mambusao and Camanci in Batan, Aklan, and the coastal waters of Pontevedra, Roxas City in Capiz, and Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo, where shellfish have tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP).
BFAR-6 is actively engaging in monitoring and public awareness campaigns to address this continuing environmental and public health issue.
Director Remia Aparri said the red tide began in August.
According to Shellfish Bulletin No. 29, issued by BFAR central office director Atty. Demosthenes Escoto on Dec. 18, shellfish from the aforementioned areas remain contaminated with toxic red tide above regulatory limits.
Consumers are advised that all types of shellfish and acetes sp. or alamang from these areas are not safe for human consumption.
However, fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are considered safe if they are fresh, thoroughly washed, and their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, are removed before cooking.
Meanwhile, several regions continue to be free from the toxic red tide, including the coastal areas of Borongon, San Dionisio in Iloilo; Altavas, Batan, and New Washington in Batan Bay, Aklan; Panay, Pilar and President Roxas in Capiz; and E.B. Magalona, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, and Victorias City in Negros Occidental, among others./PN
