THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) lifted the red tide warning issued in four areas after testing free from paralytic shellfish poison.
In its 16th shellfish bulletin, BFAR said shellfish harvested in Puerto Princesa Bay, Palawan; Leyte town; Biliran Islands; and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur are now safe for human consumption after being declared free from red tide.
However, BFAR said areas that remain positive for red tide contamination include Dauis and Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Tambobo Bay, Negros Oriental; and Daram Island, Zumarraga, Cambatutay Bay. Irong-Irong Bay, San Pedro Bay, Maqueda Bay, and Villareal Bay, all in Western Samar.
Other red tide positive areas are Calubian, Carigara Bay, Ormoc Bay, and Cancabato Bay, Leyte; Balite Bay, Davao Oriental; Murcielagos Bay, Zamboanga del Norte; and Lianga Bay and Bislig Bay, Surigao del Sur.
All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang harvested in red tide areas are unsafe for human consumption. However, other marine species from the contaminated waters can still be eaten with proper handling.
The occurrence of red tide is due to high concentrations of algae in the water. Human consumption of contaminated shellfish may result in paralytic shellfish poisoning, which affects the nervous system.
Usual symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Severe cases may consist of muscular paralysis and respiratory issues. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave