Business · Philippines Bureau
BFAR warns of red tide threat in Surigao del Norte coastal town
Authorities in the Caraga region have issued a public health alert after shellfish samples from San Benito town tested positive for paralytic shellfish poison. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources confirmed the presence of red tide toxins through laboratory screening.
LSN Philippines ·
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga regional office has advised the public to avoid harvesting and consuming shellfish from affected waters off San Benito in Surigao del Norte following the detection of paralytic shellfish poison in collected samples.
Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of red tide toxins in shellfish specimens, prompting the agency to issue the precautionary advisory. The warning is intended to prevent potential cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning, a serious health risk associated with consuming contaminated marine products.
Red tide incidents occur when harmful algal blooms accumulate toxins in shellfish beds. Consumption of affected shellfish can cause neurological symptoms ranging from mild tingling to severe paralysis in humans. BFAR has urged residents and commercial gatherers in the area to refrain from collection activities until the advisory is lifted.
The agency is continuing monitoring efforts in the region and will provide updates on the status of coastal waters as testing progresses.