DAGUPAN CITY—Mussels, oysters and other shellfish that are now produced in commercial quantities in the coastal waters of Pangasinan, including the city of  Dagupan continue to be free from the dreaded red tide toxin.
This was based on the water analyses conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources along with various local government units on samples of water obtained from the province’s coastal areas.

The analyses showed that the public need not worry because the coastal waters of Bolinao, Anda and Bani in Pangasinan, in the Lingayen Gulf and as far as Dagupan in the east, remain free from the dreaded red tide toxin 

This means that the shellfish, especially mussels, which are now being cultured in all these coastal areas, are still safe for human consumption.

Emma Molina, city agriculturist in Dagupan, said that based on an official bulletin of BFAR and the Department of Agriculture as of January 12, 2006, no red tide was seen in any area of the Lingayen Gulf, especially Dagupan City.

The bulletin warned the public that “Acetes sp.” or “alamang” from red tide-affected areas are not safe for human consumption.

It said that fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly. Their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, must be removed before cooking.

The other areas free of red tide toxin are the coastal waters of Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan and Bataan in Manila Bay, Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon City and Casiguran in Sorsogon province.

Others are Malampaya Sound in Taytay, Palawan; Bacolod City, Victorias City, Silay City, Villadolid, San Enrique, E.B. Magalona, Pontevedra, Cadiz City, Talisay City and Hinigaran in Negros Ocidental; the water of Biliran province, Cancabato Bay in Tacloban City; Carigara and Ormoc Bays in Leyte; Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Samar; and Taguines Lagoon in
Camiguin Island.

On the other hand, there are some areas in the country that are still positive of the red tide toxin and organism. Shellfish ban is still in effect.

These are the coastal waters of Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate; Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Dumanguillas Bay in Zamboanga de Sur; Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental; Juag Lagoon in Matnog, Sorsogon; Irong-Irong Bay in Samar; and Lianga Bay in Borobo; and Bislig Bay in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. – lm
 

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