(Photo courtesy of PTV)
LEGAZPI CITY – Coastal areas in two provinces in Bicol are positive for red tide toxin, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported on Friday.
The latest shellfish samples collected from Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon province and Milagros town in Masbate province are positive for paralytic shellfish toxin, said Nonie Enolva, BFAR Bicol spokesperson.
"Based on the laboratory examination conducted by the BFAR-National Fisheries Laboratory, shellfish meat samples collected from the coastal water of Milagros town in Masbate and in the coastal waters of Sorsogon Bay are positive with paralytic shellfish poison (PSP)," she said in an interview.
Enolva said the report also warned the public to refrain from gathering, transporting, selling, buying, and eating all types of shellfish and "alamang" (small shrimp) from the affected coastal waters to avoid shellfish poisoning.
"To safeguard human lives and mitigate impacts to the shellfish industry while waiting for the BFAR Central Office confirmatory result, the warning is issued as a precautionary advice to the consuming public," Enolva added.
Nelson Bien, BFAR Regional Director, said in a statement the agency and the local government units are monitoring the affected coastal waters to safeguard public health and protect the shellfish industry.
"Fish, squid, regular shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption, provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly. Internal organs such as gills and intestines must also be removed before cooking," he said.
According to experts, shellfish are prone to red tide because when they eat the poison-producing algae, the toxin can accumulate in their tissues. Biotoxins do not harm shellfish, so the level in their tissue will rise until the algae bloom subsides.
Studies showed that the shellfish would eventually flush the toxin out, but it can take several days to several months or longer.
The usual symptoms of PSP are tingling, numbness of the mouth and extremities, and gastrointestinal discomforts such as vomiting and diarrhea.
In severe cases, difficulty in swallowing and speech paralysis with respiratory arrest, and even death can occur. (PNA)
