The coastal waters of Gigantes Island in Carles, Iloilo tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
In its bulletin issued on Saturday, Aug. 26, BFAR prohibited the harvesting, selling, buying and eating of shellfish from the affected area.
“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the area are not safe for human consumption,” BFAR said.
“Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh, washed positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking,” it added.
Aquatic microorganisms causing PSP are also present in the coastal waters of Roxas City, Panay, Pilar, President Roxas, and Sapian Bay in Capiz, and Batan Bay, Altavas, New Washington in Aklan.
Symptoms of PSP, according to BFAR’s Fisheries Resources Management Division, include headache, dizziness and nausea. In severe cases, people who consumed the toxins may experience muscular paralysis and respiratory difficulty within five to 12 hours.
These usually take place within 30 minutes. Reactions include tingling, first in the lips and tongue, spreading to the face, neck, fingertips and toes.IMT
