Manila, March 19 -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Bicol (BFAR-5) has declared all red tide monitoring areas in the region negative for red tide toxins, making shellfish from these areas safe for human consumption.

In an interview on Wednesday, BFAR Bicol Spokesperson Rowena Briones underscored the importance of regular monitoring of the red tide areas to ensure contaminated shellfish do not reach consumers.

"Regular monitoring helps detect harmful algal blooms early, preventing seafood-related illnesses such as paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) by ensuring contaminated shellfish do not reach consumers. Also, by identifying red tide-affected areas, we can implement timely interventions, such as the prohibition of har...