Bulacan, Bataan, and Zambales remain red tide-free

By Joelyn G. Baluyut

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Nov 16 (PIA) -- Bulacan, Zambales, and

Bataan provinces are still free from paralytic shellfish poison or most commonly known as red tide.

“The coastal waters of Bulacan in Manila Bay; Masinloc Bay in Zambales; and coastal waters of Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay, and Samal in Bataan remain free of the toxic red tide,” the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Shellfish Bulletin dated November 8 reported.

BFAR said shellfish from the mentioned areas can still be gathered, harvested, and sold in markets and are safe for human consumption.

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

All types of shellfish and Acetes ap or alamang from the areas mentioned are not safe for human consumption, BFAR said.

“Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided these are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” BFAR added.(CLJD/JGB-PIA3)