Red tide alert now up in Palawan, remains in 4 other coastal areas
THE Puerto Princesa Bay in Palawan has been added to the list of coastal areas found positive for the red tide toxin, which means that the collection and consumption of shellfish are banned, as in the four other affected areas, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The red tide toxin has also affected the coastal waters of Biliran Province; Leyte in Leyte; Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur; Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; and Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan where paralytic shellfish poison was beyond the regulatory limit.
“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the area shown are not safe for human consumption,” said Eduardo Gongona, BFAR director and undersecretary for fisheries.
“Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” he said.
Red tide is a phenomenon caused by an explosive growth and accumulation of certain microscopic algae, predominantly dinoflagellates, in coastal waters. Some species of dinoflagellates produce toxins that are among the most potent known to man, based on research by The Manila Times.
Red tide, which can kill fish, birds, and marine mammals and cause illness in humans, may last days, weeks or months, and may also change direction because of wind conditions.
Eating shellfish from areas with red tide may lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PSP could lead to “muscle paralysis and respiratory failure…and in some cases death may occur from 2 to 25 hours.” EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ
The post Red tide alert now up in Palawan, remains in 4 other coastal areas appeared first on The Manila Times Online.