ILOILO CITY – The waters off the coast of popular tourist destination Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo province is still positive for red tide toxin.
Based on the latest bulletin of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), there is still paralytic poison in that particular area of the Visayan Sea.
BFAR-6 Regional Director Remia Aparri warned folks from eating shellfishes harvested off the coast of Gigantes. This includes scallops, which is popular among tourists.
Aparri added that red tide toxin has been positive in the area since November 2016.
While there is red tide toxin, it is still safe to eat fish, crabs and squids taken from Gigantes waters. But these must be thoroughly washed before cooking.
BFAR has lifted the red tide warning in coastal waters of Panay, Pilar, President Roxas, Roxas City, and Sapian Bay in Capiz province as well as in Aklan province.
Most of the coastal waters in Negros Occidental are also free from red tide. (Tara Yap)