The Tagbilaran City government expressed concern over continued gathering and consumption of shellfish in waters off the city and Dauis even as a red tide alert was hoisted over said areas.

Tagbilaran City councilmen and Vice Mayor Toto Veloso issued a warning anew as a survey conducted by DYRD Balita indicated that some continue to gather shellfish from red-tide affected areas.

Councilor Dulce Glovasa said that the public has already been repeatedly warned on the presence of algae that produce the red tide toxin by the government including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

He also noted that monitoring operations continue to be conducted by concerned agencies in assessing the situation in waters off Tagbilaran City.

Other than shellfish, a ban on crabs, sea cucumber (bat) and other seafood found near the shore and under rocks in the sea have been implemented at the Tagbilaran City Fish Port.

The ride tide alert and said ban in Tagbilaran City and Dauis were issued on November 19 due to the presence of high toxin levels and poisonous organisms in the areas.

It remains uncertain when the alert will be lifted. (Allen Doydora)