CEBU CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-7) in Central Visayas warned the public to refrain from harvesting, buying, selling, and eating any type of shellfish as red toxins have been spotted in Negros Oriental bays in Tambobo, Siaton, and in Bais City.
BFAR-7 regional director Dr. Allan Poquita asked the nearby communities to be wary of gleaning shellfishes, locally known as "kinhason” in the Tambobo and Bais Bays as these are unsafe for eating.
Poquita added that fresh fishes, shrimps, squid, and crabs may be eaten if washed thoroughly. The gills and intestines of fishes must be removed before cooking.
BFAR's recent laboratory results from Manila confirmed that the samples taken from these areas were found with "paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) that is beyond the regulatory limit." Initial PSP testing was done in Negros Oriental.
According to Dr. Florencia Mepaña, Negros Oriental Provincial Fishery Officer, they are closely coordinating with the provincial government especially in monitoring regularly the major bays, rivers and other shellfish sites in the province.
Mepaña said the concerned local government units are already guarding the areas to ensure the safety of the consuming public.
The two Negros Oriental bays are added to the list of red tide-affected areas in the country that include the coastal waters of neighboring Dauis town and Tagbilaran City in Bohol province, Mepaña added.
Red tide is the common term used to describe a coastal phenomenon wherein water is discolored by high algal biomass or concentration of algae. Red tide blooms are commonly caused by environmental conditions such as the intensity of sunlight; and the change in water temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels, Mepaña explained.
“Shellfishes are unaffected by red tide. However, they accumulate the toxin in their bodies. A person who eats contaminated shellfish might be poisoned,” Mepaña said.
Mepaña advised the public that when there is poisoning, vomiting should be induced and the person must be brought to the hospital for immediate treatment.