BFAR issues red tide warning for shellfish in Leyte town

TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a local red tide advisory for the coastal waters of Leyte, Leyte, after shellfish samples collected from the area tested positive for paralytic shellfish toxin, prompting authorities to warn the public against gathering, selling, or eating shellfish from the affected waters.

In an advisory issued Tuesday, Aug. 25, BFAR said the samples tested positive for paralytic shellfish toxin, specifically saxitoxin. 

The agency said it issued the advisory as a precaution while awaiting confirmatory test results from the BFAR National Fisheries Laboratory Division.

READ: Red tide warning up in Leyte town; ban lifted in 3 other areas

The warning covers all types of shellfish and Acetes species, locally known as alamang, gathered from the affected coastal waters.

BFAR said the precautionary measure is intended to protect public health and minimize the impact of the red tide episode on the local shellfish industry.

The agency also reminded the public that two other areas in Eastern Visayas remain under a shellfish ban because samples previously collected from their waters tested positive for red tide toxins.

These areas are Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, covering the coastal waters of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani and Salcedo, and the coastal waters of Biliran Island.

All shellfish and Acetes or alamang harvested from these areas are considered unsafe for human consumption while the shellfish bans remain in effect.

BFAR clarified, however, that fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs from affected waters may still be consumed provided they are fresh and properly prepared. It said that internal organs, including the intestines and gills, should be removed and the seafood thoroughly washed before cooking.

Red tide refers to the proliferation or accumulation of certain algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and marine organisms. 

READ: Shellfish ban stays in Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran due to red tide

Paralytic shellfish poisoning can occur when people eat shellfish that have accumulated these toxins. Cooking does not reliably eliminate the toxins, making compliance with shellfish bans important.

BFAR advised consumers to buy shellfish only from safe and approved sources and to avoid harvesting shellfish from areas covered by red tide advisories or shellfish bans.

The agency said it will issue further updates once confirmatory laboratory results for the Leyte, Leyte samples become available./coa