LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The coastal bodies of water in Western Pangasinan are free from the toxic red tide, according to Shellfish Bulletin No. 24 issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) last week, it was reported Saturday.

Laboratory tests showed that water samples taken from the coastal areas of Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos, and Barangay Wawa in Bani indicated “negative of toxins.”

This means that shrimps, crabs and seashells like mussels and oysters gathered from the said coastal towns continued to be free from the toxic red tide and are safe for human consumption.

BFAR officials, however, advised the public to choose sea foods that are fresh and observe proper hygiene when preparing them, which include washing them thoroughly and have their internal organs removed such as gills and intestines before cooking.

The announcement also brings respite to fishermen whose livelihood was severely affected by typhoon “Pepeng” that resulted to R997 million damage to aquaculture industry.

BFAR and concerned local government units (LGUs) conduct regular monitoring activity on red tide to safeguard public health and to protect the fishery sector.

The provincial government of Pangasinan, on the other hand, is keen on dismantling illegal fish pens and fish cages as part of its vision in saving the coastal resources that involves the seas and the rivers in Pangasinan.

Earlier, BFAR has issued warnings that a number of coastal provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao were positive of red toxins and the public are prevented from eating mussels, oysters and crabs caught in the said areas.