Red tide alert up in coastal waters of Gigantes Island

The coastal water of Gigantes Island in Carles, Iloilo is positive of red tide toxin, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Western Visayas confirmed on Wednesday. (pna photo)

ILOILO CITY— The coastal water of Gigantes Island in Carles, Iloilo is positive of red tide toxin, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Western Visayas confirmed on Wednesday.

Based on the Shellfish Bulletin No.27 dated August 15, the coastal waters of Gigantes island is among the coastal areas found to be positive of red tide toxin based on the latest laboratory results of the BFAR and the local government units.

Under the bulletin, other coastal areas include Irong-Irong Bay, Catbalogan in Western Samar; Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay and Puerto Princesa Bay, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan; Coastal waters of Mandaon and Placer in Masbate; Tambobo Bay in Siaton, Negros Oriental; and Balite Bay, Mati in Davao Oriental; Villareal and Maqueda Bays in Western Samar; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar.

All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or “alamang” gathered from the coastal area are unsafe for human consumption, the bulletin stated.

Meanwhile, fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that these are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking, the bulletin added.

BFAR Regional Director Remia Aparri said the fisherfolks were advised to temporarily stop gathering shellfish from the coastal waters of Gigantes for their safety and the consumers.

Carles Mayor Sigfriedo Betita said he already directed all village chiefs in their town to inform the fisherfolks regarding the advisory on red tide in Gigantes island, as well as to stop harvesting shellfish in the area.

He advised the public especially the residents in their town to refrain from buying shellfish sourced from the coastal waters of the island.

In March this, Gigantes island was also found positive of the red tide toxin. The red tide warning was lifted last April.