• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Negros Island Region has lifted the shellfish ban in north and south Bais Bay in Negros Oriental, more than a month after the restriction was imposed.
The bay is now cleared of toxic red tide after shellfish meat samples collected from the area tested negative for paralytic shellfish toxin, the BFAR-NIR said in an advisory Oct. 2. “All types of shellfish and alamang or hipon gathered from this specific cleared area are now safe for harvesting, transporting, marketing, and human consumption.
The coastal waters of Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, Victorias, E.B. Magalona, and Hinigaran in Negros Occidental, and of Negros Oriental, as well as surrounding areas, remain free of red tide, the BFAR added.
But shellfish collected and tested from Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Tantanang Bay in Zamboanga Sibugay province, and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison. “All types of shellfish and alamang gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption.”
But fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption, provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and the internal organs, such as gills and intestines, are removed before cooking, the BFAR added. | CGC
