THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has declared the waters in Matarinao Bay, Eastern Samar as officially free from paralytic shellfish poison or more commonly known as red tide.
Several other areas, however, are still flagged for red tide, according to BFAR’s shellfish bulletin dated Oct. 21.
Red tide warning is up in the following areas: coastal waters of Milagros, Masbate; Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian), coastal waters of Roxas City, Panay, President Roxas, and Pilar, Capiz; Dauis and Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur.
All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. (alamang) harvested from these areas are unfit for human consumption. However, fish, squids, shrimps and crabs caught in the said waters can be eaten if cooked properly.
Red tide happens as a result of high concentrations of algae in the water. Symptoms of red tide poisoning include gastrointestinal and neurological distress, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and muscular aches. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave