BFAR issues red tide alert for four Eastern Visayas bays

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a public health alert prohibiting the gathering, sale, and consumption of shellfish from four bays in Eastern Visayas due to red tide contamination. The warning was issued following laboratory confirmation of paralytic shellfish toxins in samples collected from the affected areas.

According to BFAR-8's advisory released on November 12, the restricted zones include Carigara Bay, Irong-Irong Bay, Matarinao Bay, and one additional bay. The agency cautioned residents and commercial fishers in the region to avoid harvesting shellfish products from these waters until further notice.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning poses serious health risks to consumers, causing neurological symptoms that can prove fatal in severe cases. The toxins accumulate in shellfish during harmful algal blooms, commonly known as red tide events, which occur when certain marine algae proliferate rapidly under specific environmental conditions.

Fisheries officials urged the public to monitor official updates from BFAR and local government units for any changes to the advisory. Violations of the shellfish ban may result in penalties under fisheries regulations.