(File photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has announced that the Dumanquillas Bay in the province of Zamboanga del Sur is now free from red tide contamination.
BFAR Regional Director Isidro Velayo Jr. said Wednesday the bay was found negative for paralytic shellfish poison based on the results of the red tide monitoring of BFAR and the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur.
Velayo said shellfish samples collected from the body of water “are now negative for the red tide toxin.”
The Dumanquilas Bay, which covers an area of about 26,000 hectares, is known for its extensive mangrove shorelines and rich coral and fish diversity.
Dumanquilas Bay, which is alternatively spelled Dumanguilas Bay, is an arm of the Moro Gulf on the southern side of the Zamboanga Peninsula.
“Negative results for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) were obtained from three consecutive weeks of sampling in the area,” Velayo said, citing Shellfish Advisory No. 29 dated April 20 issued by BFAR National Director Eduardo Gongona.
“Therefore, the public is hereby informed that shellfish samples harvested from Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur are now safe for human consumption. Likewise, gathering and/or harvesting and marketing of shellfishes from the above-mentioned area are now permitted,” Gongona further stated in his advisory.
Meanwhile, Velayo said his office, in partnership with the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur, will continuously monitor Dumanquillas Bay to safeguard public health and to protect the shellfish industry. (PNA)
