These areas, which were reported to be free of toxic red tide organisms since the first week of May this year, include the waters of Salcedo, Quinapondan, Gen. MacArthur, and Hernani in Eastern Samar.
Director Granali is advising the public to refrain from eating, gathering or harvesting, transporting, and marketing shellfish from Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar until such time that the shellfish toxicity level has gone down below the regulatory level.
He said that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp., or alamang, gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption, however, fish, squid, 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.
On the other hand, Granali said that the coastal areas which are free from toxic red tide organisms include the areas along Ormoc Bay (Ormoc City, Albuera and Merida, Leyte); Biliran Waters (Naval and Kawayan, Biliran); Camotes Sea (Palompon, Leyte); San Pedro Bay (Palo and Tanauan, Leyte); Villareal Bay (Villareal, Samar); Maqueda Bay (Jiabong and Catbalogan Samar); Irong-irong Bay (Tarangnan, Samar); Cancabato Bay (Tacloban City); Sogod Bay (Sogod, So. Leyte); Carigara Bay (Carigara, San Miguel, Barugo, and Capoocan, Leyte), and Calbayog Waters (Calbayog, Samar).
Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar Positive of Red Tide Toxins
PHILIPPINES - Based on the latest laboratory results of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-8), shellfishes and seawater samples collected along Matarinao Bay area is again positive of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning that is beyond the regulatory limit, Acting Regional Director Justerie M. Granali informed the Philippine Information Agency.
by Lucy Towers
