BFAR lifts shellfish ban in Biliran Island but not in Samar, Leyte

Authorities have lifted the shellfish ban in the coastal waters of Biliran Island after laboratory tests showed that shellfish samples are safe for human consumption, while a ban remains in effect in Matarinao Bay, Eastern Samar, and a local red tide advisory continues in Leyte. (Biliran Provincial Agricultural Services Office) TACLOBAN CITY — The shellfish ban in the coastal waters of Biliran Island has been lifted after laboratory tests showed that shellfish samples from the area are now safe for human consumption, according to the latest red tide advisory issued Friday, September 4 by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The advisory said all types of shellfish and Acetes sp., locally known as alamang or tiny shrimp, harvested from the waters of Biliran Island are now considered safe for consumption. However, the shellfish ban remains in effect in Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, covering the coastal waters of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani and Salcedo, after shellfish meat samples collected from the area tested positive for red tide toxins. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Hospital bed shortage hits Oriental Mindoro A local red tide advisory also remains in effect in the coastal waters of Leyte, Leyte, where the public has been warned against gathering, selling, buying or eating all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. from the affected area. BFAR advised the public to strictly follow the shellfish bans because shellfish can accumulate toxins produced by certain microscopic marine algae without showing any visible sign of contamination. Red tide is a coastal phenomenon associated with a rapid increase or accumulation of microscopic algae, also known as phytoplankton. Despite its name, the water does not always turn red and may appear brown, green, yellow or milky—or show no visible discoloration at all. Red tide or harmful algal blooms can develop when environmental conditions favor rapid algal growth. These include changes in water temperature, sunlight, salinity and increased nutrient levels in the water. Excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can contribute to algal blooms. Article continues after this advertisement Some algae produce toxins that can accumulate in filter-feeding shellfish such as mussels, oysters and clams. One of the major health concerns is paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), which can cause numbness or tingling around the mouth and extremities, vomiting, dizziness, headache, paralysis and difficulty breathing. Severe cases can be fatal. BFAR also warns that cooking does not eliminate the toxins in contaminated shellfish, and shellfish may remain toxic even when there is no visible red discoloration in the water. Article continues after this advertisement Fish, squid, shrimp and crab from areas under shellfish bans may still be consumed provided they are fresh, thoroughly washed and properly prepared, with internal organs such as the intestines and gills removed before cooking, based on BFAR guidance. /mr Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.