MANILA -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has banned the gathering, catching and eating of "alamang" in San Pedro Bay, Western Samar; Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur; and coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran in Bohol due to the presence of paralytic shellfish poison.
According to BFAR's Shellfish Bulletin No. 6, based on its latest laboratory results from samples gathered from these areas, the "Acetes sp." or commonly known as alamang, tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison "that is beyond the regulatory limit" and "not safe for human consumption.
However, BFAR clarified that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs from these waters are safe to eat provided that they are fresh and thoroughly washed.
Internal organs such as gills and intestines should also be removed before cooking.
Meanwhile, the BFAR said fish and other shellfish varieties gathered in other coastal areas of the country, such as Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan, and Bataan, among others, continue to be free from the red tide toxin.
Red tide is a phenomenon caused by algal blooms during which algae become so numerous that they discolor coastal waters. The algal bloom may also deplete oxygen in the waters and/or release toxins that may cause illness in humans and other animals. (PNA)
