BUTUAN CITY – The presence of toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit continues to persist in two areas in the Caraga Region.
The findings are based on the Shellfish Bulletin No. 09 Series of 2022 issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday.
The affected areas in the region include the Lilalit Bay in San Benito, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur.
Based on the latest laboratory results, shellfishes collected from the two areas are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison or toxic red tide that are beyond the regulatory limit.
“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or "alamang" gathered from the areas are not safe for human consumption,” the BFAR advisory said.
It added though that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs from the two areas are still 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 local government units in the affected areas have been informed of the latest advisory, BFAR said. (PNA)
