Still up in several bays
TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas has lifted the local red tide warnings in Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City, and the coastal waters of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
This decision follows laboratory results from its fisheries laboratory, confirming that seawater samples from these areas tested negative for Pyrodinium bahamense, a dinoflagellate responsible for producing red tide toxin or saxitoxin).
The lifting of the warnings allows for the resumption of shellfish harvesting and consumption in Cancabato Bay and Guiuan, bringing relief to local communities dependent on these resources for livelihood.
However, BFAR emphasized that the coastal waters of Calbayog City, Samar, remain under a red tide alert. Filtered seawater samples from the area continue to test positive for Pyrodinium bahamense.
Residents are strictly advised to avoid gathering, selling, and consuming all types of shellfish and the shrimp species Acetes (locally known as “alamang” or “hipon”) from the affected waters to prevent paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
Other areas in the region also remain positive for PSP or toxic red tide beyond regulatory limits, with a shellfish ban still in effect. These areas include Daram Island, Zumarraga Island, and Irong-Irong Bay, Catbalogan City, all in Samar; Matarinao Bay, Eastern Samar (covering General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo); and Biliran Island, Biliran.
Despite the bans, fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs from these areas are deemed safe for consumption, provided they are fresh and thoroughly cleaned.
BFAR advises removing internal organs such as intestines and gills and washing the seafood properly to ensure safety.
BFAR reminds the public that harvesting, selling, or consuming shellfish and Acetes from prohibited areas is strictly prohibited. Violators of the shellfish ban will face penalties in accordance with regulations.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
