 |
| BFAR issued a shellfish ban in San Pedro Bay and Matarinao Bay due to the presence of paralytic shellfish poison or red tide. |
TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a red tide alert for San Pedro Bay in Basey, Samar, and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, warning the public not to consume any shellfish and alamang from these areas due to the presence of paralytic shellfish poison (PSP).
According to Shellfish Bulletin No. 15, Series of 2023, released on June 19, 2023, shellfish samples collected from San Pedro Bay tested positive for PSP or toxic red tide, which is beyond the regulatory limit.
PSP is a potent neurotoxin produced by microscopic algae that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tingling or burning sensations, and even death in severe cases.
LATEST RED TIDE ADVISORY June 19, 2023 Based on Shellfish Bulletin No. 15, Series of 2023 issued on June 19, 2023,...
Posted by BFAR Region 8 on Monday, 19 June 2023
The shellfish ban covers all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang harvested from San Pedro Bay. Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe to eat if they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
Meanwhile, seawater samples collected from Matarinao Bay also showed the presence of Pyrodinium bahamense, a toxic microorganism that causes PSP.
The public is advised to refrain from gathering, selling, and eating all types of shellfish and alamang from this bay while waiting for the confirmatory result from the BFAR National Fisheries Laboratory Division.
BFAR said it is closely monitoring the situation and will issue updates on the red tide status of the affected areas. The agency also urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities or incidents related to red tide to the nearest BFAR office or local government unit. —iTacloban