Shellfish from the West safe to eat
LINGAYEN—Shrimps, crabs, mussels and oysters from the coastal waters of Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos and Wawa in Bani are free from toxic micro-organism that causes red tide and thus safe for human consumption, announced the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office.
The BFAR issued the bulletin about on November 27.
However, the agency advised the public to always buy fresh seafood and observe proper hygiene when preparing food by removing internal organs and washing it thoroughly before cooking.
The BFAR and the concerned local government units (LGUs) regularly conduct monitoring activity on red tide toxin to safeguard public health and to protect the fishery sector which is their main source of livelihood in the area.
Red tide, according to BFAR, is caused by a “population explosion” of toxic, naturally occurring microscopic plankton specifically a subgroup known as dinoflagellates.
Factors that are especially favorable to toxic red tides include warm surface temperature, high nutrient content, low salinity and calm seas. Rain followed by sunny weather during summer months is often associated with red tide blooms.
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