CAPIZ – The seawaters of three towns in Capiz province were still positive for red tide toxins, based on Shellfish Bulletin No. 05 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) dated Feb. 21, 2023.
Shellfish collected and tested from Panay, President Roxas and Pilar tows were still positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), or toxic red tide, beyond the regulatory limit.
Sometime in September and October last year, the seawater in several towns tested positive for red tide.
However, the Roxas City coast and the Sapian Bay, which covers the Ivisan and Sapian towns, were already red tide-free.
The recent bulletin further showed that the nearby coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate; Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; San Pedro Bay in Samar; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur were also still positive for red tide.
BFAR again advised the public that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from red tide-positive areas are not safe for human consumption.
Fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as the gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
The local government unit of Roxas City as well as the provincial government of Capiz earlier extended assistance to the affected fisherfolks./PN
