5 coastal areas still affected with red tide

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) continues to warn the public about the risk in eating shellfish from the affected coastal areas in the region.

Based on the latest laboratory results, the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, Dumanquillas Bay, Murcielagos Bay, and Balita Bay are still positive from parasitic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit. Thus, harvesting, selling, buying and eating all types of shellfishes from these areas are prohibited because they are no longer safe for human consumption.

On the other hand, the coastal waters in Leyte, Samar and Biliran were declared to be free from red tide. These include the Maqueda Bay, Villareal Bay, Irong-irong Bay, Camintutay Bay and coastal waters of Calbayog City in Western Samar; Ormoc, San Pedro, Cancabato and Carigara Bays in Leyte, and Biliran waters in Biliran Province.

BFAR also emphasized that only shellfishes are prohibited for consumption. Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are still safe since it is washed thoroughly and internal organs are removed before cooking. (JOCHRISTI F. QUIÑANOLA, Intern, FRANCISCO C. ROSAROSO, Chief, RAFID)