By Zorayda Tecson/PNA
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday imposed a shellfish ban in this province due to the presence of red tide toxins in its coastal waters.
Based on the latest laboratory results of BFAR Regional Fisheries Laboratory 3 (Central Luzon), shellfish samples collected from Pampanga’s waters tested positive for the paralytic shellfish poison.
“The public is advised to refrain from eating, gathering or harvesting, transporting and marketing shellfish from the coastal areas in this province until such time that the toxicity level has gone below the regulatory limit,” BFAR-3 Director Lilian Garcia said in a statement.
BFAR laboratory results showed that shellfish samples collected in the coastal waters of Pampanga have 840 unit grams of Saxotoxin per 100 grams of shellfish meat, which is beyond the regulatory limit of 60 unit grams of Saxotoxin per 100 grams.
The BFAR, however, said fish, crabs and shrimps are safe to eat as these are not affected by red tide.
Garcia also said that BFAR and the provincial government are continuously monitoring the coastal waters to safeguard public health and protect the fishery industry.
