Red tide warning up in parts of Samar, Eastern Samar

WHAT LIES BENEATH Shellfish gathering in Matarinao Bay, shown in this 2024 photo, has been prohibited due to presence of red tide toxins. Fishing, however, is still allowed in the bay covering four Eastern Samar towns, but authorities urge the public to ensure that the fish they consume are thoroughly cleaned. —SALCEDO MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICE PHOTO

TACLOBAN CITY—Health authorities in Eastern Samar have issued a precautionary red tide warning in parts of Eastern Samar and Samar provinces after some shellfish samples in the area tested positive for toxic red tide organisms, according to a July 14 advisory from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Confirmatory tests conducted by the BFAR-National Fisheries Laboratory Division revealed that shellfish meat samples collected from Matarinao Bay—which spans the municipalities of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani and Salcedo in Eastern Samar—were found positive for paralytic shellfish toxin (saxitoxin).

Likewise, filtered seawater samples from Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar, also tested positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, a species of toxic dinoflagellate that causes red tide and produces the same harmful saxitoxin.

As a precautionary measure, BFAR has advised the public to refrain from gathering, selling, or consuming all types of shellfish and “alamang” or “hipon” (small shrimp, Acetes sp.) from the affected bays to avoid possible cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).

PSP can cause severe symptoms, including numbness, dizziness, and in extreme cases, respiratory paralysis.

What are safe to eat

While the national shellfish bulletin is still pending issuance, the early advisory was released to safeguard lives and allow local governments to act swiftly.

BFAR, however, stressed that fish, squid, crabs and shrimp from these waters remained safe to eat provided they were fresh, thoroughly cleaned and their entrails removed before cooking.

The fisheries bureau has intensified the monitoring of affected bays and urged local government units in the area to take the necessary steps to inform and protect their constituents.

Red tide outbreaks are naturally occurring phenomena caused by harmful algal blooms. In the Philippines, they have become recurring threats to coastal communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on shellfish harvesting.