TACLOBAN CITY - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-8) has warned against red tide in at least 14 bays in Eastern Visayas.
Based on the laboratory examination conducted by the BFAR-8 Regional Marine Biotoxin Laboratory, the public is still advised to refrain from gathering, selling, and eating all types of shellfishes and acetes sp. locally known as "alamang or hipon" from these areas.
Eating red tide infested shellfish may cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). PSP occurs from ingesting shellfish such as mussels, oysters, and clams that contain red tide toxins. These toxins can cause severe and life-threatening neurological effects.
In Samar province, the red tide alert is up in Cambatutay Bay (Tarangnan); Maqueda Bay (Jiabong, Motiong, Paranas, San Sebastian, Calbiga, Pinabacdao, and Hinabangan); Villareal Bay (Villareal); Coastal Waters of Daram, Samar; San Pedro Bay (Basey); Coastal Waters of Zumarraga, Samar; and Irong-irong Bay (Catbalogan).
In Leyte province, the coastal waters of Calubian, Leyte; coastal waters of Leyte, Leyte; Carigara Bay (Babatngon, San Miguel, Barugo, Carigara, and Capoocan, Leyte); and Cancabato Bay (Tacloban City) have likewise been infested.
The coastal waters of Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Matarinao Bay (General MacArthur, Hernani, Quinapondan, and Salcedo) in Eastern Samar province were also found positive with the red tide bloom.
The Coastal Waters of Biliran Islands were also found positive for red tide.
BFAR-8 said red tide is usually a natural phenomenon that can happen in a specific place with no warnings.