Capiz still positive for red tide

By Felipe V Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The coastal waters of Capiz are still contaminated by red tide toxin.

Based on Shellfish Bulletin No. 26 dated November 10, 2023 issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-6, shellfishes collected and tested from Sapian Bay located in Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz; Mambuquiao and Camanci, Batan in Aklan; coastal wasters of Panay; Pilar; President Roxas; Roxas City in Capiz are currently positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoining or red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.

The bulletin also revealed that coastal waters of Gigantes Islands, Carles in Iloilo; coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur; and coastal waters of San Benito in Surigao Del Norte are still also positive for red tide.

BFAR-6 has advised the residents that all types of shellfish and acetes species or alamang gathered from the said areas are not safe for human consumption.

Likewise, 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.

Last month, the BFAR-6 issued a bulletin that coastal waters in Panay town were negative for red tide toxin. However, the residents were advised not to be complacent as this may change to positive anytime.