By Jonas Reyes
SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) released Shellfish Bulletin No. 03, stating that the coastal waters of Pampanga are still positive for red tide toxins while the Bataan has already tested negative.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Red tide toxins have plagued the province of Pampanga for more than two months now and have been noted by the
BFAR as still having paralytic shellfish poison beyond regulatory limit.
The bulletin stated that based on their latest laboratory results, all types of shellfish and Acetes or alamang that were gathered from the province’s waters are still not safe for human consumption due to paralytic shellfish poison.
The BFAR also stated that not all marine delicacies are affected, stating that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption as long as they are prepared fresh and are washed thoroughly, with the internal organs removed before cooking.
The bureau, on the other hand, lifted the red tide alert on the province of Bataan as the shellfish samples that were collected from the coastal waters of Samal, Abucay, Orani, Balanga, Pilar, Orion, Limay and Mariveles were already tested negative of the toxin.
Bataan markets on Saturday have already been selling green mussels or tahong after it was lifted by the BFAR on Thursday. The bureau stated that after three consecutive weeks of sampling in the province yielded negative results for the toxin.
A report on the sale of the green mussels showed that the price of one gallon of tahong and talaba costs P100 each.
The red tide ban started on November 24 of last year and was only lifted on Thursday.