As Western Visayas’ shellfish industry expands, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is stepping up its defense against harmful algal blooms (HAB) “to protect livelihoods, ensure food safety, and build public trust in the region’s fast-growing aquaculture sector.”
Oysters and mussels remain among the region’s top aquaculture commodities. But with their popularity comes a serious risk—HAB—which can contaminate shellfish with toxins harmful to both marine life and humans, the bureau said.
To meet the challenge, BFAR-Western Visayas launched an intensified monitoring initiative to prevent outbreaks and safeguard the consuming public.
“Western Visayas is becoming a key player in shellfish production. Our responsibility now is to make sure it remains safe and sustainable,” said Joel Abalayan, chief of BFAR’s Fisheries Production and Support Services Division. “Protecting the industry also means protecting the people who rely on it,” BFAR said.
