The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday confirmed the presence of red tide in Cambatutay Bay in Samar based on the latest examination of shellfish meat samples.
Seawater samples collected from Cambatutay Bay have shown positive red tide since October 23, 2023. But it wasn't until November 30, 2023 that authorities discovered toxins in the shellfish meat.
In addition to Cambatutay Bay, BFAR issued warnings to three other bays after seawater samples collected tested positive for the toxic organism that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).
The three areas are the coastal waters of Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar; General MacArthur of Matarinao Bay, Quinapondan, Hernan and Salcedo in eastern Samar.
According to the latest shellfish bulletin, there is no shellfish ban in the region. However, local red water warnings apply for these areas. Samples collected from these bays and coastal waters are positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, a toxic microorganism that causes PSP.
BFAR reiterated its appeal to the public to avoid any shellfish and Acetes sp., locally known as "alamangang" or hipon from these bays, despite not being covered by the current mussel bulletin.
"Fish, squid, prawns and crabs are safe for human consumption if they are fresh and thoroughly washed and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking," it added.
BFAR also submitted samples collected from these bays to its headquarters for confirmatory testing and inclusion in future national shellfish bulletins. Monitoring continues to check for a possible recurrence, despite the lifting of shellfish bans in some areas.
Regular water sample checks include the coastal waters of Daram, Zumarraga and Villareal Bay of Samar; Gulf of San Pedro in Samar; Coastal waters of Leyte, Calubia, Ormoc, Sogod, Gulf of Carigara and Gulf of Cancabato, City of Tacloban, Leyte; and the coastal waters of Biliran Island. There have been red waves in these areas.
BFAR regularly analyzes water samples through its regional laboratory to ensure shellfish harvested from those areas are safe for human consumption.
Caption
RED TIDE-POSITIVE. A view of the Cambatutay Bay in Tarangnan, Samar. Water and meat samples collected in the bay and three other areas in Samar have turned positive for toxic red tide, prompting the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to raise a warning on the consumption of shellfish gathered in the area, the bureau said on Friday (Dec. 1, 2023). (Photo courtesy of Patrick Roque)
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