ILOILO City – All coastal waters in Western Visayas have been declared free from paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), or toxic red tide, with the sole exception of the coastal water of the town of Pontevedra in Capiz.
In Shellfish Bulletin No. 30, issued by Director Demosthenes R. Escoto of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Dec. 21, the following are now clear of toxic red tide: coastal waters of Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz), Mambusao (Capiz) and Camanci in Aklan, Roxas City in Capiz, and the coastal waters around the Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo.
These areas had been tested positive for toxic red tide since August 2023.
BFAR now allows the collection, consumption, and sale of all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. Alamang in the areas cleared of toxic red tide.
However, in areas that continue to test positive for toxic red tide, the BFAR advises that “all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. Alamang collected from these areas are not safe for human consumption.”
BFAR also confirms that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for consumption, provided they are fresh, thoroughly washed, and internal organs, such as gills and intestines, are removed before cooking.
Areas still positive for toxic red tide include the coastal waters of Pontevedra in Capiz; the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur; and the coastal waters of San Benito del Norte.
Earlier this week, Remia Aparri, director of BFAR Region 6, emphasized the ongoing efforts to activate field personnel for campaigns against purchasing shellfish from areas still affected by toxic red tide./PN
