THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) 7 has issued a temporary ban on the harvesting and selling of all shellfish and “alamang” from Siit Bay off Barangay Siit, Siaton in southern Negros Oriental.
The ban was issued after water samples tested positive for pyrodinium bahamense, a toxic microorganism that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning.
The advisory, signed by Bfar 7 Director Mario Ruinata on Friday, June 13, 2025, was based on laboratory tests conducted by the Bfar 7 Negros Oriental Provincial Fishery Office and the Provincial Agriculturist Office. The samples were collected on Tuesday, June 10.
Warning
“To protect human lives and lessen the effects on the shellfish industry while awaiting the results of the confirmatory analysis, this warning is issued as a precautionary measure advising the public to avoid gathering, selling and consuming all types of shellfish and Acetes sp., locally known as ‘alamang’, from Siit Bay,” a portion of the advisory said.
While the shellfish ban is in effect, the Bfar 7 said that fish, squid, crab and shrimp remain safe for consumption, “as long as all entrails are removed and washed thoroughly under running water before consumption.”
Bfar 7 also assured the public that it is coordinating with local government units to monitor the area and mitigate risks. / CDF