Seven areas in the Western Visayas region have tested positive for red tide or paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) beyond the regulatory limit, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The BFAR’s Shellfish Bulletin 20 dated August 26, 2023, showed the following areas tested positive for toxic red tide: Saplan Bay (Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz); Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan; the coastal waters of Panay; the towns of Pilar, President Roxas, and Roxas City in Capiz; the coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo; and the coastal waters of Altavas, Batan, and New Washington in Batan Bay, Aklan.
Aside from these areas, the BFAR said the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol, as well as the Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur remained positive for toxic red tide.
“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas shown above are not safe for human consumption,” the BFAR said.
“Fish, squids, shrimps, 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,” it added.