50
U.M. Montojo et al.
tool. This method was chosen for its much lower detection limit compared to the
MBA, which allows for the early detection of PSP toxins. However, the presence
of several PSP toxin analogues limits the quantitative accuracy of the method.
The PSP Rapid Test Kit, on the other hand, is a qualitative method. Its application is
intended for local laboratories because it eliminates the need for maintaining mice
colonies. Both the aforementioned methods are intended for screening purposes;
hence, positive samples must be confirmed using the MBA.
Should the screening procedures prove to be applicable, the LGUs will have
the necessary tools to implement precautionary measures in the case of positive
samples. Actions can be taken while samples are being confirmed for the presence of
toxins.
Change in the National Regulation Limit for PSP Toxin
The Philippines previously implemented a very conservative regulatory toxicity
limit of 40 g STXeq/100 g of shellfish tissue for banning shellfish harvesting
and selling the product for human consumption. This compares to the international
limit of 80 g STXeq/100 g (Philippine Guidebook 1999). With public safety as
the primary concern, such policy is sound. However, this lower regulatory limit
restricts the marketing of additional product, and thus has a negative impact on the
livelihood of shellfish growers on small farms. The issue was addressed by raising
the regulatory limit to 60 g STXeq/100 g, through the FAO 235 Series of 2010
(BFAR 2010).
Information, Education and Communication (IEC)
Paralytic shellfish poisoning is primarily associated with consuming filter-feeding
shellfish. However, during toxic red tide episodes, consumers worry not only about
eating unsafe shellfish, but also about consuming other marine products as well.
As a consequence, direct and indirect economic losses are incurred when PSP and
HAB incidents are reported. One aspect of the management strategy is therefore
to produce and disseminate outreach materials to educate the public about this
natural phenomenon. Public meetings and information campaigns are conducted to
allow a better understanding of the toxic red tide blooms. A number of handbooks,
scientific posters and other outreach materials, also written in local dialects, have
been published and circulated across the country (Figs. 5.2a–c and 5.3a–c).
A survey was also conducted in PSP-affected areas of Sorsogon Bay, using a
prepared questionnaire, to determine the level of awareness among fishers and the
community as a whole. The layman’s term “toxic red tide”, rather than “HAB”,
was used in the survey questions. Results indicated that the respondents have high
level of awareness (92 %) of toxic red tides and its impacts. Among the sources
U.M. Montojo et al.
tool. This method was chosen for its much lower detection limit compared to the
MBA, which allows for the early detection of PSP toxins. However, the presence
of several PSP toxin analogues limits the quantitative accuracy of the method.
The PSP Rapid Test Kit, on the other hand, is a qualitative method. Its application is
intended for local laboratories because it eliminates the need for maintaining mice
colonies. Both the aforementioned methods are intended for screening purposes;
hence, positive samples must be confirmed using the MBA.
Should the screening procedures prove to be applicable, the LGUs will have
the necessary tools to implement precautionary measures in the case of positive
samples. Actions can be taken while samples are being confirmed for the presence of
toxins.
Change in the National Regulation Limit for PSP Toxin
The Philippines previously implemented a very conservative regulatory toxicity
limit of 40 g STXeq/100 g of shellfish tissue for banning shellfish harvesting
and selling the product for human consumption. This compares to the international
limit of 80 g STXeq/100 g (Philippine Guidebook 1999). With public safety as
the primary concern, such policy is sound. However, this lower regulatory limit
restricts the marketing of additional product, and thus has a negative impact on the
livelihood of shellfish growers on small farms. The issue was addressed by raising
the regulatory limit to 60 g STXeq/100 g, through the FAO 235 Series of 2010
(BFAR 2010).
Information, Education and Communication (IEC)
Paralytic shellfish poisoning is primarily associated with consuming filter-feeding
shellfish. However, during toxic red tide episodes, consumers worry not only about
eating unsafe shellfish, but also about consuming other marine products as well.
As a consequence, direct and indirect economic losses are incurred when PSP and
HAB incidents are reported. One aspect of the management strategy is therefore
to produce and disseminate outreach materials to educate the public about this
natural phenomenon. Public meetings and information campaigns are conducted to
allow a better understanding of the toxic red tide blooms. A number of handbooks,
scientific posters and other outreach materials, also written in local dialects, have
been published and circulated across the country (Figs. 5.2a–c and 5.3a–c).
A survey was also conducted in PSP-affected areas of Sorsogon Bay, using a
prepared questionnaire, to determine the level of awareness among fishers and the
community as a whole. The layman’s term “toxic red tide”, rather than “HAB”,
was used in the survey questions. Results indicated that the respondents have high
level of awareness (92 %) of toxic red tides and its impacts. Among the sources