Several coastal areas in the country tested positive for red tide and paralytic shelfish poison, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said on Tuesday.
Red tide is a phenomenon that occurs when nutrients from the sea floor go upward and fuel overwhelming algal blooming. The occurence produces a fire-red layer of blooms on the surface of the water, which contaminates shellfish and can harm humans if consumed.
What should you avoid from these areas? All kinds of shellfish and alamang, according to the BFAR.
What is safe to eat? Fish, squid, shrimp and crab, as long as they are fresh, washed thoroughly, and cooked properly after internal organs have been removed.
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Red tide toxin was detected in these coastal areas:
- Matarimao Bay in Eastern Samar
- Coastal waters of Daram Island and Cambatutay Bay in Western Samar
- Caigara Bay in Leyte
Paralytic shellfish poison was detected in these areas:
- Biliran Islands
- Bohol (Coastal waters off Dauis town and Tagbilaran City)
- Davao Oriental (Balite Bay, Mati City)
- Eastern Samar (Coastal waters of Guiuan)
- Leyte (Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City, and coastal waters of Calubian)
- Masbate (Milagros)
- Negros Oriental (Tambobo Bay in Sianton)
- Palawan (Puerto Princesa Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay)
- Sorsogon (Sorsogon Bay)
- Surigao del Sur (Hinatuan)
- Western Samar (coastal waters of Zumarraga)
- Zamboanga del Sur (Dumanquillas Bay)
According to the BFAR, the said areas were said to be "still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit."
