Red Tide Warning in Cancabato Bay
TACLOBAN CITY – Authorities have issued a red tide warning in Tacloban’s Cancabato Bay after water samples tested positive for harmful toxins. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) confirmed the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins in filtered water samples collected from the bay.
Officials strongly advise the public to avoid gathering, selling, or consuming all types of shellfish and Acetes species, locally known as Alamang or Hipon, from Cancabato Bay. This precaution aims to protect residents and consumers from the health risks posed by contaminated shellfish.
Impact on Local Shellfish and Trade
BFAR laboratory testing revealed that toxin levels in shellfish samples from Cancabato Bay exceed the regulatory limit of 60 micrograms per 100 grams of shellfish meat. When this threshold is surpassed, harvesting shellfish in affected areas is strictly prohibited to safeguard public health.
Community members noted that cockle clams from Cancabato Bay are commonly exported to markets in Taiwan and Hong Kong, raising concerns about the wider impact of the red tide on local fisheries and trade.
Regional Red Tide Developments
Aside from Cancabato Bay, a red tide alert remains active in Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar, where seawater samples also tested positive for toxins. Meanwhile, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar is currently listed in the national shellfish bulletin due to confirmed toxin presence in collected meat samples.
Local leaders attribute these outbreaks to recent changes in weather patterns, which have contributed to the proliferation of harmful algae in coastal waters.
Safe Consumption Guidelines for Seafood
Despite the shellfish warnings, fish, squid, crab, and shrimp caught in affected bays are still considered safe to eat. However, residents are urged to remove all entrails and thoroughly wash these marine products with running water before cooking to minimize any health risks.
While shellfish bans have been lifted in several parts of the region, BFAR continues to monitor water quality closely to detect any recurrence of red tide events.
Ongoing Monitoring Across Coastal Areas
Water samples are regularly collected from multiple locations, including the coastal waters of Daram, Zumarraga, Cambatutay, Maqueda, and Villareal Bays in Samar; Guiuan in Eastern Samar; San Pedro Bay in Samar; as well as Leyte’s Calubian, Ormoc, Sogod, and Carigara Bays; and coastal waters around Biliran Island. These sites have historically experienced red tide outbreaks.
BFAR’s regional laboratory conducts continuous analysis of these samples to ensure shellfish safety. If seawater tests positive for toxins, shellfish meat is sent to the national laboratory for comprehensive testing.
Understanding Red Tide Phenomenon
Red tide refers to the discoloration of seawater caused by a dense concentration of algae. This algal bloom produces toxins that accumulate in shellfish, posing serious health risks when consumed.
Sources emphasize that public cooperation is essential to prevent shellfish poisoning by heeding warnings and advisories issued by authorities.
For more news and updates on red tide warnings, visit Filipinokami.com.
