ILOILO CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has declared the coastal waters of Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo free from the red tide toxin.
BFAR, in a Sept. 28 advisory, declared that no paralytic poison exists on the Visayan Sea that surrounds Gigantes Island.
“We advise the public that shellfish harvested from the coastal waters of Barangays Asluman and Gabi in Gigantes Island are safe for human consumption. Gathering and harvesting and marketing of shellfish from these areas are now allowed,” BFAR said.
“Fish, 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,” noted BFAR-6 Regional Director Remia Aparri.
Red tide had a negative impact on the fishing community on the island as shellfish, including the sought-after scallops, which is a popular seafood among tourists, are also being exported.