BFAR issues red tide alert in Surigao del Norte town

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Authorities have issued a public health warning after shellfish samples collected off San Benito town in Surigao del Norte tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison, commonly known as red tide toxins.

In an advisory, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga region said laboratory screening using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detected toxic levels in shellfish meat taken from the coastal municipality.

While confirmatory tests remain underway, BFAR urged the public as a precautionary measure to refrain from harvesting, selling, buying and eating all types of shellfish and Acetes (shrimp that looks like krill)—locally known as alamang or hipon—sourced from the area.

Article continues after this advertisement

The plea is meant to avoid paralytic shellfish poisoning.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Fish, squid and crabs harvested from the affected waters remain safe for human consumption, provided they are fresh, thoroughly washed, and their internal organs, including gills and intestines, are completely removed before cooking.

BFAR Caraga, in coordination with local government units, said it will maintain continuous water and shellfish monitoring in San Benito to safeguard consumer health and minimize further disruption to the local seafood sector. /apl