Red Tide Warning in Eastern Samar Areas Spurs Caution
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – Health authorities have raised a red tide warning in parts of Eastern Samar and Samar after some shellfish samples tested positive for red tide organisms, sources said. This early alert aims to protect residents and prevent health risks linked to seafood consumption.
Tests by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) revealed that shellfish meat from Matarinao Bay — covering General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo in Eastern Samar — contained paralytic shellfish toxin, known as saxitoxin. Additionally, seawater samples from Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar, showed the presence of Pyrodinium bahamense, a toxic algae responsible for red tide outbreaks.
Health Risks and Precautionary Measures
Due to these findings, BFAR has urged the public to avoid gathering, selling, or eating all shellfish and “alamang” or “hipon” (small shrimp, Acetes sp.) from the affected bays. This preventive step is crucial to avoid paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), which can lead to symptoms such as numbness, dizziness, and even respiratory paralysis in severe cases.
While an official national shellfish bulletin is still forthcoming, this early advisory enables local governments to act quickly in safeguarding their communities. Authorities emphasized that fish, squid, crabs, and shrimp remain safe to eat, provided they are fresh, thoroughly cleaned, and their entrails removed before cooking.
Ongoing Monitoring and Community Protection
BFAR continues to intensify monitoring of the affected bays and encourages local government units to inform and protect their residents actively. Local officials are reminded of their duties under Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991 to ensure public health and safety.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon caused by harmful algal blooms that flourish under certain weather and water conditions. These outbreaks have become recurring threats to coastal communities, especially those depending on shellfish harvesting for their livelihood.
BFAR assures the public that regular sampling will continue and that updates will be announced as soon as new results are available.
For more news and updates on red tide warning in Eastern Samar areas, visit Filipinokami.com.
