Red tide afflicts Bataan towns, 6 other bays

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned the public against consuming shellfish caught from at least seven coastal towns of Bataan, which have been afflicted by red tide. In a report over GMA News’ “24 Oras," the BFAR said shellfish such as tahong (mussels) and talaba (oyster) from the eight coastal towns of Orani, Samal, Abucay, Pilar, Orion, Limay, Mariveles and the city of Balanga — all of which dot the Bataan coasts of the Manila Bay — have tested positive for red tide toxin.

Apart from Manila Bay in Bataan, other bodies of water have also been found to have breached the regulatory limit for paralytic shellfish poison. These are: - Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur - Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar - Murcielagos Bay Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental - Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon - Carigara Bay in Leyte - Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur A statement posted on BFAR’s website warned the public against harvesting, selling, buying or eating bivalves such as clams and oysters. But the BFAR said that shrimp, crab, and other fish are safe to eat as long as they are fresh and cleaned thoroughly. “Fish, shrimps, squids and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking," the statement said. - DM, GMANews.TV