By Marisol Bo-oc | 01:47 PM October 23, 2022
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has banned the consumption and sale of shellfish in at least two areas in Bohol province because of the presence of red tide toxins.
In its Oct. 21 advisory, BFAR said red tide was found in water samples collected in Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol.
The shellfish ban also covers Roxas City, Sapian Bay, Panay, President Roxas and Pilar in Capiz; Milagros, Masbate; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur.
BFAR said all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas are not safe for human consumption.
Fiah, squid, shrimps and crabs can be eaten if they are fresh, washed thoroughly, and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
Experts said shellfish are prone to red tide because when they eat the poison-producing algae, the toxin can accumulate in their tissues.