Red tide still present in three Capiz towns

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Paralytic Shellfish Poison or red tide toxin is still present in the waters of three Capiz towns.

Based on the latest shellfish bulletin issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-6, the toxicity level is still high in Panay, Pres. Roxas and Pilar.

The coastal waters of Sapian Bay (Sapian and Ivisan) including Roxas City are red tide-free.

The BFAR-6 also revealed that shellfish from coastal waters of Milagros, Masbate; Dauis and Tagbilaran in Bohol; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur are free of red tide, thus the rating of shellfish from this areas are safe.

Irong-irong and San Pedro bays in Samar are also free from the toxin.

Gov. Fredenil Castro has issued an executive order in September 2022 banning the harvest, transport, and selling of shellfish following reports from BFAR-Capiz that the coastal waters of Capiz were positive for red tide toxin.

The provincial government has extended assistance to all affected residents and fisherfolks in the province.