November 11, 2010

Philippine shellfish affected by red tide toxins

Six towns in a province near Manila Bay, Philippines, have tested positive for the red tide toxin, prompting authorities to warn residents against eating mussels, crabs, and other shellfish known to carry the poisonous substance.

Municipal Agriculturist, Art Matias, said the water samples in the coastal waters of Limay, Mariveles, Orani, Orion, Abucay, and Pilar tested positive for red tide toxins.

The tests were conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Quoting the advisory issued by the BFAR Central Office, Matias said that, "The presence of alexandruim minutum organism or red tide toxin taken from shellfish is so high and alarming that it is not advisable to eat shellfish at this time."

BFAR's Jun Relox signed the advisories issued to authorities in all the affected coastal towns, said Matias. The BFAR appealed to shellfish gatherers to stop their operations and not pass off these seafood products to the public.

Bataan is one of the major sources of shellfish from Manila Bay so markets near Bataan, including Metro Manila, should be wary of the source of the shellfish that they purchase and sell, the BFAR said.