BFAR declares 3 Aklan coastal areas red tide-free

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that three coastal areas in Aklan province have been cleared from red tide.

In Shellfish Bulletin No. 22, Series of 2023 issued Wednesday, BFAR said the coastal waters of Altavas, Batan, and New Washington in Batan Bay are free of the toxin.

Meanwhile, it warned the public that red tide is still present in several coastal areas in the provinces of Capiz, Aklan, Iloilo, Bohol and Zamboanga del Sur.

These include the Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz, Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan); coastal waters of Panay; Pilar, President Roxas and Roxas City in Capiz; coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo; coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; and Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur.

The bureau said shellfish collected and tested from these areas are still positive for red tide toxin beyond the regulatory limit and can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.

“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas reported are not safe for human consumption,” it said.

“Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are 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 BFAR bulletin added. (PNA)