Red tide hits Surigao Sur, Masbate

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned the public from harvesting and eating shellfish from Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur and the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate that have been added to a list of areas found positive for the red tide toxin.

In its Shellfish Bulletin No. 242018, BFAR said the Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; and Puerto Princesa and Honda Bays, Puerta Princesa City in Palawan are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

“All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the area shown are not safe for human consumption,” the BFAR advisory said.

BFAR, however, said several species-- including fish, shrimps and crabs-- are safe to eat provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Other major fishing grounds in the country, however, continued to be unaffected by the toxins, the bureau said, adding it is continuously monitoring other areas to safeguard public health.

Red tide is a phenomenon caused by an explosive growth and accumulation of certain microscopic algae, predominantly dinoflagellates, in coastal waters.

Some species of dinoflagellates produce toxins that are among the most potent known to man.

Red tides, which can kill fish, birds and marine mammals and cause illness in humans, can last days, weeks or months and can also change daily because of wind conditions.