Central Luzon is now red tide free

By Joelyn G. Baluyut

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Oct 10 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has declared the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, and Zambales free from paralytic shellfish poison or most known as red tide.

According to the report submitted, the coastal waters of Bulacan and Bataan (towns of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal) in Manila Bay; Masinloc Bay in Zambales continue to be free from toxic red tides.

“And shellfish from the mentioned areas can now be gathered, harvested, and sold in markets for human consumption,” said BFAR.

Meanwhile, shellfishes collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental; and coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

BFAR noted that all types of shellfish and Acetes ap or alamang from the said areas are not safe for human consumption.

“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,” BFAR added.