KALIBO, Aklan – Coastal waters of the province of Aklan are free from the toxic red tide.
All types of shellfish gathered in the coastal waters of Mambuquiao and Camanci in Batan, Altavas, and New Washington are safe for human consumption, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
It added that all coastal waters in Western Visayas were declared free from red tide.
Earlier on May 3, BFAR released shellfish bulletin showing that paralytic shellfish poison was detected in the coastal waters of Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, San Benito in Surigao del Sur, and Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol.
BFAR advised that once toxic red tide is detected in an area, all types of shellfish and acetes sp. (alamang) from those areas are unsafe for human consumption. However, fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs are still safe to eat if they are fresh, thoroughly washed, and their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, are removed before cooking.
The agency added that the common symptoms of red tide poisoning are sensory abnormalities, headache, dizziness, vomiting, burning sensation on the lips and tongue, abdominal pain, diarrhea and body weakness./PN
