TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) confirmed Thursday the presence of red tide toxins in Cambatutay Bay in Tarangnan, Samar, based on the latest examination of water samples. This marks the first recurrence of red tide in the bay this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, seawater samples collected in Cambatutay Bay tested positive for red tide during a laboratory test on July 10. The fisheries bureau noted that, in addition to tide changes, several factors such as currents, wind directions, and the availability of nutrients and sunlight contributed to the recurrence of red tide in the area.
The BFAR urged the public to refrain from gathering, selling, and consuming all types of shellfish and Acetes sp., locally known as "alamang" or "hipon," from these bays. However, fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs are safe for human consumption if they are fresh, thoroughly washed, and have their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, removed before cooking.
Earlier, the BFAR detected red tide in Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar, and Matarinao Bay in General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo towns in Eastern Samar, as well as the coastal waters of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Seawater samples from these areas tested positive for toxic microorganisms that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning.
The BFAR regularly analyzes water samples through its regional laboratory to ensure that shellfish gathered from different bays are safe for human consumption.