QUEZON CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Central Office issued Shellfish Bulletin No. 16-2021 dated May 27, 2021, cautioning local government units that shellfish collected in the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol province, Tambobo Bay, Siaton in Negros Oriental, the coastal waters of Daram Island, Zumarraga, Cambututay, Irong-irong, San Pedro, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Western Samar, coastal water of Calubian, Carigara and Ormoc Bays and Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City in Leyte, Balite Bay, Mati Bay in Davao Oriental, Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte, Lianga and Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur are still positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.
The classification of the area was based on the latest laboratory results conducted by the bureau and local government units concerned.
With caution it said that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the area of the identified area are not safe for human consumption.
However fish squid and crabs are safe from human consumption but must be fresh and washed thoroughly. Internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.