Various coastal waters in 11 areas around the country are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said Tuesday, February 16.
Shellfish collected in the affected coastal waters, according to the latest laboratory results from BFAR, are still positive for PSP that is beyond the regulatory limit.
The affected areas are the coastal waters of Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay, Palawan; Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon; coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Tambobo Bay in Siaton, Negros Oriental; coastal waters of Daram Island, Zumarraga, San Pedro, and Cambatutay Bays in Western Samar; coastal waters of Calubian, Leyte, Carigara Bay, and Cancabato Bay, in Tacloban City, Leyte; coastal waters of Biliran Islands; coastal waters of Guiuan and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Balite Bay in Mati City, Davao Oriental; and Lianga Bay and coastal waters of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur.
Ormoc Bay in Leyte, on the other hand, was found to be positive for red tide toxin.
All types of shellfish and alamang gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption, BFAR told the public.
“Fish, squids, shrimps, 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,” it added.
PSP, according to BFAR, is a water soluble, heat, and acid resistant marine toxin produced by dinoflagellates. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tingling sensation in the lips and extremities, numbness, and in severe cases, death.