Business · Philippines Bureau
Red tide alert issued for Samar and Leyte coastal waters
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has warned residents to avoid harvesting shellfish from affected areas in Eastern Visayas after detecting harmful microorganisms in seawater samples.
LSN Philippines ·
TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas has issued a public health advisory following the detection of red tide organisms in coastal waters off Samar and Leyte provinces.
Seawater samples from several coastal areas tested positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, a microorganism responsible for red tide blooms. The presence of this organism poses significant health risks as it produces toxins that can accumulate in shellfish and cause severe poisoning in humans who consume contaminated mollusks.
BFAR officials have urged the public to refrain from gathering, selling, or consuming shellfish harvested from the affected coastal zones. The advisory remains in effect pending further testing and monitoring of water conditions in the region.
Residents and fishermen are advised to monitor official BFAR announcements for updates on the red tide situation and the status of coastal areas. The agency continues to conduct regular seawater sampling to track the spread and intensity of the harmful algal bloom.