MikeLigalig.com

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has lifted the shellfish ban in Bataan imposed last November 5 on the gathering, selling, transporting and eating of shellfish.

Provincial Agriculturist Imelda Inieto made the announcement at the Samal Municipal Hall here after receiving the fax message from BFAR, a few minutes before 12:00 noon Wednesday.

"There is no more red tide toxin. That’s why it is now safe for human consumption the shellfish like tahong and talaba in the whole Bataan,” Inieto said.

With the lifting of the ban, the agriculturist said she was hopeful the affected fishermen and those in the business of shellfish will be happy after their livelihood was greatly affected for a month and two days.

The BFAR Shellfish Advisory dated December 8, 2010 stated that the Bataan coastal waters in the towns of Limay, Pilar, Orion, Mariveles, Orani, Abucay and Samal and the City of Balanga are already negative for red tide toxin after three consecutive weeks of sampling in the area.

The last samples of water and shellfish meat were taken Tuesday and sent to BFAR office in Quezon City.

“Shellfish harvested in the Bataan coastal waters are now safe for human consumption and likewise the gathering, harvesting and marketing of shellfishes in the area are now permitted,” the BFAR advisory said. - pna