Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned against the consumption of shellfish and alamang (shrimp paste) from eight bodies of water as they were found positive for toxic red tide.
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In a BFAR bulletin dated Jan. 16, the areas affected are the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate; Panay, President Roxas and Pilar in Capiz; Dauis and Tagbilaran in Bohol; Dumanquilla Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur.
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According to BFAR, red tide is a phenomenon where sea water is discolored due to a high concentration of algae, which may be poisonous if it is beyond the regulatory limit.
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“Hindi ligtas kainin ang mga shellfiish na nabanggit sa mga lugar dahil ito’y nakalalason,” Nazario Briguera, BFAR Information and Fisherfolk Coordination Unit chief, said during a Laging Handa briefing on Wednesday.
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[Translation: It is not safe to eat shellfish in the areas that were mentioned because they are poisonous.]
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Briguera added that fish like galunggong, squid, and crab are safe to eat as long as they are fresh and cleaned thoroughly.
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