KALIBO, Aklan – The coastal waters in Western Visayas remains negative for red tide toxin, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Based on Shellfish Bulletin No. 12 released on June 28, 2024, the coastal waters in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo are safe from red tide.
BFAR officer-in-charge Isidro Velayo, Jr., however, warned consumers from eating all types of shellfish and alamang from specific areas in Visayas and Mindanao due to toxic red tide.
Shellfishes collected and tested in San Benito, Surigao del Norte; Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; and Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur are still positive for red tide or paralytic shellfish poison beyond the regulatory limit.
Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption as long as they are fresh and washed thoroughly. The internal organs, such as the gills and intestines, must also be removed before cooking.
Red tide was coined due to the sea water discoloration caused by the highly-densed population of harmful algal blooms (HABs).
BFAR issues local red tide warning as a precautionary advice to the public to refrain from gathering, selling and eating all types of shellfishes and Acetes sp. locally known as hipon or alamang.
The poison in the red tide organism is known as saxitoxin, a water soluble salt that affects the nervous system./PN
