2 areas in Negros Oriental now free from red tide

THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has declared the areas of Siit Bay and Bais Bay in Negros Oriental as officially free from red tide contamination. Other areas, however, remain positive, based on BFAR’s 21st shellfish bulletin for the year. These are: Puerto Princesa Bay in Palawan; coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate; coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Tambobo Bay in Negros Oriental; coastal waters of Daram Island and Zumarraga, and Irong Irong and San Pedro bays in Western Samar; Cancabato Bay in Leyte; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Balite Bay in Davao Oriental; and Lianga Bay and the coastal waters of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur. All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang harvested from these areas are not safe for human consumption, but all other marine species can be eaten with proper handling. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave