BUTUAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Caraga Region (BFAR-13) has issued a local red tide warning in the town of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Laboratory test done by BFAR-13 on water samples from Barangay Baculin, Hinatuan resulted in positive for Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum, a toxic microorganism that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), BFAR-13 chief Visa Tan-Dimeren said in a red tide warning issued on Aug. 21.
“To safeguard human lives while waiting for the confirmatory test of shellfish samples to be conducted by BFAR National Fisheries Laboratory Division (NFLD), this warning is issued as precautionary advice to the consuming public to refrain from gathering, selling and eating all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. locally known as “alamang” or “hipon” from the coastal waters of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur to avoid possible shellfish poisoning,” Tan-Dimeren said in the advisory.
However, she clarified that fish, crab, and shrimp can be eaten but all entrails must be removed and washed thoroughly before cooking.
“BFAR and the local government unit (LGU) will continue to monitor the above-mentioned area to safeguard public health and protect the shellfish industry,” Tan-Dimeren said.
Aside from Hinatuan, Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur is also under red tide alert for months as issued by BFAR.
In its August 18, 2020 Shellfish Bulletin No. 15, BFAR said shellfish collected in Lianga Bay are still positive for PSP that is beyond the regulatory limit. (PNA)