KALIBO, Aklan – The province of Aklan is free from red tide.
According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Shellfish Bulletin No. 23 Series of 2022, dated Nov. 21, the coastal waters of Altavas, Batan and New Washington in Batan Bay in the province of Aklan were free from the toxin.
The bulletin identified coastal areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that are free from red tide.
In Western Visayas, other areas that remain red-tide free are Gigantes Island, Carles and Borongon, San Dionisio in Iloilo; and E.B. Magalona, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, and Victorias City in Negros Occidental.
On the other hand, BFAR listed 11 coastal areas in the country which have red tide.
These are in Roxas City, Sapian Bay, Panay, President Roxas, and Pilar, all in the province of Capiz; Milagros in Masbate; Irong-Irong Bay and San Pedro Bay in Samar; Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur.
Harvesting, selling, buying and eating shellfishes from these areas are prohibited as all types of these, including Acetes sp. or alamang, are not safe for human consumption, according to BFAR.
However, fish, squids, shrimps and crabs from these areas are safe for human consumption provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking. (PIA6)/PN
