The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a warning to the public, advising against the consumption of shellfish from 12 coastal areas in the country after these waters tested positive for toxic red tide.
According to the latest shellfish bulletin from BFAR, the affected areas include Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and San Benito in Surigao del Norte.
Several locations in Samar are also affected, including Daram Island, Zumarraga Island, Irong-Irong Bay, Villareal Bay, Cambatutay Bay, and Maqueda Bay.
Additionally, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, Cancabato Bay in Leyte, Puerto Bay in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, and Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay have all tested positive for the harmful algal bloom.
Red Tide and Its Impact on the Fishing Industry
Red tide is a natural phenomenon caused by the proliferation of toxic algae in coastal waters, which can produce harmful effects on marine life and humans. The toxins produced by these algae accumulate in shellfish, such as mussels, oysters, and clams, making them unsafe for consumption. When people consume contaminated shellfish, they risk suffering from paralytic shellfish poisoning, which can lead to severe health complications and, in some cases, be fatal.
The presence of red tide significantly impacts the fishing industry in the Philippines, particularly the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen who rely on shellfish harvesting. The ban on shellfish collection in affected areas leads to economic losses and disrupts local food supply chains. Fishermen, traders, and communities dependent on these marine resources face financial difficulties during red tide outbreaks, which can last for weeks or even months.
Meanwhile, BFAR has clarified that fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs from these areas remain safe to eat as long as they are fresh, thoroughly cleaned, and have had their gills and intestines removed.