A TOTAL of five coastal in the country tested positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), popularly known as toxic red tide, that went beyond the regulatory limit.
Shellfishes collected at the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate, Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol, Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Litalit Bay, San Benito in Surigao del Norte, and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur were all positive with red tide, based on latest laboratory results published in Shellfish Bulletin No. 4 series of 2022 dated March 2, 2022 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The lab results said all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or “alamang” collected from the areas mentioned are “not safe” for human consumption. On the other hand, fish, squids, shrimps and crabs were deemed safe for human consumption. However, they should be fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
Moreover, coastal waters of Bataan, particularly in Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa, Orani, Abucay and Samal, are now free of the toxic red tide.