Manila: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 13 (Caraga Region) has warned the public against eating shellfish from Lianga Bay, particularly in the coastal waters of Barobo, Surigao del Sur, after samples taken from the area tested positive for red tide.

According to Philippines News Agency, this was based on the confirmatory analysis conducted by BFAR’s National Fisheries Laboratory, the bureau said in an advisory issued Friday afternoon. The result indicated that shellfish samples collected in the area, when analyzed, have 113-286.714g/100g levels of PST or paralytic shellfish toxins. The results are above the Philippine Regulatory Limit for PST of 604g/100g, based on Fisheries Administrative Order 235, series of 2010.

To safeguard human lives and the shellfish industry in the region, this Local Shellfish Advisory is issued as a precautionary advice to the public to refrain from gathering, marketing or selling, and eating of all types of shellfish (‘kinhason’) and Acetes sp. locally known as ‘alamang’ from Lianga Bay to avoid possible shellfish poisoning until such time that the PST level has gone down below the regulatory limit. BFAR-13 Director Omnia Olama stated in the advisory that fish, crabs, and squids may be eaten but all entrails must be removed and washed thoroughly before cooking.

Eating PST-contaminated shellfish and alamang can cause poisoning, which can lead to death. Symptoms of poisoning include numbness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Coordination with the concerned local government units has been done to ensure monitoring in the affected areas, safeguard public health, and protect the province’s shellfish industry.