Aklan coastal waters still free from red tide toxin

The coastal waters of Aklan are still free from the red tide toxin, according to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

In its red tide bulletin No. 34 on November 11, the shellfish, shrimps, crabs and fish gathered in the coastal waters of Altavas, Batan and New Washington in Batan Bay, Camanci and Mambuquiao in Batan, Aklan are safe for human consumption.

Meanwhile, the coastal waters of Pilar, Panay, President Roxas, Roxas City in Capiz and Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz) and the coastal waters of E.B. Magalona, Pontevedra, Palupandan, Valladolid, Talisay City, Silay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, Cadiz City, Victorias City, Bago City, Binalbagan and San Enrique in Negros Occidental remains free from red tide. 

Red tide alert has been raised in Calubian, Leyte; Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo; Leyte and Carigara Bay in Leyte; Naval in Biliran province; Milagros, Masbate; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Irong-Irong and Cambatutay Bays in Western Samar are positive for red tide toxin. 

Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries and BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona said all types of shellfish and alamang gathered in those areas are not safe for consumption. 

Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking, he added. 

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL