The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has imposed a shellfish ban in the coastal waters off Bataan due to the presence of red tide toxins.
By Franco Regala
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| (Mark Balmores / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) |
On this regard, the consumption, harvesting or marketing of shellfish such as tahong (mussels), talaba (oysters), tulya (clams), and other types of shellfish taken from the affected areas are prohibited.
In a November 16 advisory, the BFAR-Regional Fishes and Laboratory 3 and Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), said the shellfish samples collected from Bataan coastal waters of Orani, Samal, Hermosa, Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Abucay, and Balanga City tested positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.
“The toxin level collected from the said areas is at 61 to 1200 ugSTXeg/100g of shellfish meat which is above the regulatory limit of 60 micrograms per 100 grants of shellfish meat,” BFAR region 3 director Wilfredo M. Cruz said.
The agency said it will come out with a new advisory once the toxicity level in the coastal waters goes down.
The BFAR earlier declared the coastal waters of Zambales and Pangasinan free of red tide.
Source: news.mb.com.ph