Shellfish ban up in Lanao, Misamis areas

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines —Gathering and consumption of shellfish from Panguil Bay in Misamis Occidental and some areas in Lanao del Norte have been prohibited after their coastal waters tested positive for algae that produce the paralytic shellfish poisoning, according to the office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Northern Mindanao.

BFAR regional director Edward Yasay said that water samples collected from affected areas showed the presence of Gymnodinium and Pleurosigma, two algae species associated with harmful algal blooms commonly known as red tide.

The BFAR confirmed that shellfish samples collected from affected areas tested positive for red tide toxin.

The BFAR said that fish kills were also reported in some areas in Lanao del Norte due to the algal bloom.

The public has been warned against consuming the dead fish.

The BFAR said that residents must ensure that seafood products are properly cleaned and thoroughly cooked before eating.

Fish and other marine products are safe for human consumption provided these are fresh and thoroughly washed before cooking.

Red tide occurs when microscopic planktons, particularly dinoflagellates, multiply rapidly and increase beyond the allowable limit.

A high cell density count of algal blooms depletes the oxygen level in the water and results in fish kill, the BFAR said.

Swimming and other activities are discouraged while water discoloration persists.