Shellfish from Bolinao, Anda sold in Baguio found poisonous

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has found shellfish from Bolinao and Anda towns being sold in Baguio City as poisonous.

Results of the laboratory analysis of Paralytic shellfish Poison (PSP) at the Marine Biotoxin Laboratoy, Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources, Regional Mariculture Technology Demonstration Center (BFAR RMatDec) Station in Lucap Alaminos City has confirmed on March 19 that samples of shellfish from Bolinao, Pangasinan sold in the Baguio City market were poisonous.

It was found that the samples given by BFAR-Cordillera to BFAR Region I had a toxicity level of 62 µgSTX for 100g of shellfish meat.

Other shellfish samples that were found to have high level of toxicity came from  Dumaquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Bataan coastal waters (Mariveles, Limay, Orion Pillar, Balanga, Orani, Abucay and Samal).

On the basis of the results of BFAR’s study, authorities are advised that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or “alamang” gathered from the areas mentioned "are not safe for human consumption."

Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking, the BFAR added.

Free from toxic red tides include coastal waters of Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, and Bulacan in Manila Bay; coastal waters Alaminos and Wawa, Bani in Pangasinan; Masinloc Bay in Zambales; coastal waters of Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate; Juag Lagoon in Matnog and Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon; Honda and Puerto Bays in Puerta Princesa City and Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay, Palawan; coastal waters in Pilar, President Roxas, Panay, Roxas City, Ivisan and Saplan in Capiz; coastal waters of E.B. Magalona, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Valladolid, Talisay City, Bacolod City, Hinigaran, Cadiz City, Victories City, Bago City, Binalbagan and San Enrique in Negros Occidental; Magueda Bay, Villareal Bay, Irong-Irong Bay, Cambatutay Bay and coastal waters of Calbuyog City in Western Samar; Matarinao Bay in eastern Samar, Ormoc, San, Pedro, Cancabato and Carigara Bays in Leyte; Biliran waters in Biliran Province; Sibuguey Bay in Zamboanga Sibugay; Murclelagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental; Hinatuan, Bislig and Lianga Bays in Surigao del Sur; Balite Bay, Mati, Davao Oriental; and Taguines Lagoon in Benoni Mahinog, Camuguin Island.