RED TIDE TOXIN IN THE WATERS OFF VISAYAS AND MINDANAO


Toxic red tide area detected in several coastal areas in Visayas and Mindanao (Photo courtesy of Jay Directo/Philippine Star)
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) release an advisory that four of the coastal waters in the Philippines has tested positive for algae that produces the red tide toxin. Shellfish ban is still implemented in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao where harvesting shellfish is still unsafe.
On Shellfish Bulletin No. 13 series of 2024, a Red Tide Alert was raised on Dauis and Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur; and San Benito, Surigao del Norte. Revealing the presence of paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit in several coastal areas.
Areas including Cavite, Manila Bay shorelines, Pangasinan, La Union, Pampanga, and various locations in Quezon, Palawan, Masbate, Sorsogon, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, and Surigao del Sur are free of red tide toxins.
According to BFAR, consumption, transport and sale of any type of shellfish as well as alamang harvested from these areas are prohibited. Fish, squid, shrimps and crabs are safe for consumption provided these are fresh, washed thoroughly and their internal organs removed before cooking.
Symptoms of red tide poisoning that can be experience by an individual and should seek immediate medical attention according to the Department of Health (DOH) are numbness, dizziness, or difficult breathing. The agency also warns and urged the public to be cautious when consuming shellfish.
Source: Daily Tribune
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