Shellfish ban up in Biliran, parts of Samar, Eastern Samar due to red tide

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MANILA, Philippines — Shellfish meat samples collected from the coastal waters of Biliran Island tested positive for red tide toxin, or saxitoxin, prompting authorities to warn the public against gathering, selling, and consuming shellfish and alamang from affected areas.

The advisory was issued on Friday, May 22, following laboratory examinations conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Fisheries Laboratory Division, which confirmed the presence of saxitoxin in shellfish samples taken from Biliran waters.

Authorities said all types of shellfish and Acetes species, locally known as alamang, collected from the affected coastal areas are not safe for human consumption.

Meanwhile, the shellfish ban remains in effect in the coastal waters of Daram, Samar, and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, particularly in the towns of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo.