The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is warning the public from catching and consuming shellfish from the coastal waters of Masbate and Western Samar which tested positive for red tide toxin.
In its Shellfish Bulletin No.22-14 dated August 29, 2014, BFAR said that the coastal waters of Irong-irong Bay in Western Samar are still positive from paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.
Moreover, the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate are now positive for red tide toxin, the agency said.BFAR warned that all types of shellfish and acetes or 'alamang' gathered and collected from these areas are not safe for human consumption.
The agency, however, said that several species including fish, shrimps and crabs are safe to eat provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
Meanwhile, several areas surrounding the Manila Bay continued to be free from red tide toxins, including the coastal waters of Cavite, Las Pinas, Paranaque, and Navotas as well as the coastal waters of the Bataan Peninsule (Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal.
Major fishing areas of Alaminos, Wawa and Bani in Pangasinan; Masinloc in Zambales; coastal waters of 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 likewise continue to be unaffected by the toxins.
Also free from red tide were the coastal waters of Pilar and President Roxas towns in Panay; Roxas City; Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz; E.B. Magalona, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Valladolid, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, Cadiz City, Victorias City, Bago City, Binalbagan and San Enrique in Negros Occidental.
Meanwhile, BFAR said that samplings in Eastern Samar, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Camiguin Island tested negative for the toxin. PNA