The coastal waters here are now free of red tide toxins after two months as confirmed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ilocos regional office (BFAR-1).

“Based on the results of the algal bloom or red tide monitoring of the BFAR and the local government unit (LGU), shellfish samples collected from coastal waters of Bolinao in Pangasinan are now negative for paralytic shellfish poison or red tide toxin,” BFAR-1 regional director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan said in a statement issued Sunday night.

Gaerlan said the shellfish harvested from coastal waters of Bolinao is safe for human consumption.

“Likewise, gathering, harvesting, (and) marketing of shellfish harvested from the area are now permitted,” she added.

Gaerlan said the BFAR and LGU continue to monitor the coastal waters of Bolinao to safeguard public health and protect the shellfish industry.

BFAR’s shellfish advisory no. 10 issued on June 17 said the results were obtained from three consecutive weeks of sampling in the area. (PNA)