Davao, Red Tide Ban, 2006, PIA

PIA Press Release2006/06/10

Red tide ban still up
Davao City (10 June) -- The latest laboratory analysis of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Local Government Units (LGU's) showed that the following areas are still positive for Red Tide Toxin (PSP Toxins) and Toxic Red Tide organisms, thus are still under Shellfish Ban:
Coastal waters of Dumaguillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental, and Bislig Bay in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur is also positive for red tide toxin.
Madilyn T. Navarce, Regional Fish Health Officer bared that the red tide organism is dormant in the coastal waters, however due to pollution, siltation and other form of water disturbances can increase its level, Navarce said. The Municipality of Mati, Davao Oriental, had already implemented the Shellfish Ban since year 2000 particularly Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental. The ordinance prohibits the harvesting of bivalves shells (Tahong) in their area.
Navarce said that the bivalve products and "tahong" sold in the market in Davao City are coming from the provinces, which are not affected by the red tide.
The Philippines has adopted a red tide standard to a maximum tolerable level of 40 micro gram/100 grams of shell-meat. This is far below from the World Health Organization standard that is set to a maximum tolerable level of 80 micro gram/100 gram of shell meat.
Ms. Navarce further said the standard is at the safest level, because there are cases found and documented by BFAR that above 40 micro grams/100 grams of shell meat might inflict Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning to human being.
She also added that BFAR is strictly monitoring the transport of shell-meat entering Davao City. It requires the issuance of the health certificate from its origin before it can be transported to any place. (PIA/AD Cahilog)

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