Three more towns in Capiz were added into the list of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide-affected local government units in the province based on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Shellfish Bulletin No. 19 issued last Oct. 5.
The Bulletin disclosed that Sapian Bay which covers the coastal waters of Ivisan and Sapian towns as well as well as the coastal waters of President Roxas town are now positive for PSP. These areas are in addition to Roxas City and towns of Panay and Pilar which have been declared as toxic red tide-affected based on meat sample of shellfishes collected and tested that were beyond the PSP regulatory limit.
The first three PSP – affected LGUs were were announced by the BFAR thru its September 29, 2022 Shellfish Advisories No. 14, 15 and 16.
“All types of shellfish and alamang gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption,” said BFAR OIC lawyer Demosthenes Escoto in the Bulletin.
However, the advisory noted that fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh, washed thoroughly and internal organs such as grills and intestines are removed before cooking.
A continuous monitoring of these coastal waters will be conducted by the BFAR and concerned LGUs to safeguard public health and to protect the fishery industry.
The PSP has also affected four municipalities in the province in 2015.JBG/AAL/PIA Capiz
