MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned against consumption of shellfish from coastal waters in several parts of the country due to contamination.

Based on the agency’s latest laboratory results in coordination with the local government units, shellfish collected in the following areas are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit:

Luzon

• Bataan (Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa, Orani, Abucay and Samal);
• Honda and Puerto Princesa Bays in Puerto Princesa City and Coastal waters of Inner Malampaya Sound
• Taytay in Palawan; 
• Coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate; 

Visayas

• Coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; 
• Tambobo Bay, Siaton in Negros Oriental; 
• Coastal Waters of Daram Island, Zumarraga, Irong-irong, San Pedro, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Western Samar; 
• Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City and Carigara Bay in Leyte; 
• Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; 

Mindanao

• Balite Bay, Mati City in Davao Oriental; 
• Lianga Bay and Coastal waters of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur; 
• Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur

Moreover, Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur is also positive for red tide toxin.

Thus, all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from these areas are not safe for human consumption, the BFAR said.

However, other marine produce such as fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe to eat provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and all internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Authorities are looking into blast fishing as a possible cause for the mass stranding of melon-headed whales in San Andres, Catanduanes.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said at least 13 melon-headed whales were found dead on Thursday (October) after a mass stranding in the costal waters of the province. Around 70 melon-headed whales were found stranded in a mangrove area in Barangay Bon-Ot.

Chief of Marine Fisheries Resource Management Section of BFAR Bicol, Nonie Enolva, said these kinds of whales are usually under the deep parts of the sea and the loud sound of a blast fishing might have disturbed them.

Initial investigation of the agency also found blood on the mouth, ear drums and blow holes of the melon-headed whales which might have been an effect of a huge shockwave under the sea.

“Iyong mga nabingi because of blast fishing activities ang behavior niya is inaangat sa surface ng tubig as if gasping for air, (Those who have been deafened because of blast fishing activities, their behavior is to swim to the surface as if gasping for air),” the official said.

Authorities also said they will continue to monitor the area to immediately respond to another possible mass stranding. AAC (with reports from Dan Gersalia)

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) announced on Thursday (October 1) the start of the closed fishing season for the lobed river mullet known locally as ‘Ludong.’

The agency reminds the public that the closed season prohibits any person, association, or corporation to catch Ludong for the entire month of October until November 15, pursuant to Bureau Administrative Circular (BAC) No. 247 s. 2013.

Known under its scientific name Cestraeus plicatilis, the Ludong is a rare and highly sought after fish, indigenous to the Cagayan River and the Abra River system in northern Luzon, the agency explained.

“With the annual implementation of the closed season, we reaffirm our commitment to protect this rare and valuable fish and to help in replenishing its numbers, thus preserving the beauty and bounty of our rivers for future generations to enjoy,” DA-BFAR national director Eduardo Gongona said. 

The DA-BFAR assured that it is working closely with fisherfolk, local government units and other government agencies in implementing all conservation-related measures to save Ludong apart from the OPLAN Sagip Ludong Project (OSLP) that the agency is implementing.