Business · Philippines Bureau
Red tide toxins extend shellfish ban across Eastern Samar waters
Laboratory confirmation of red tide toxins in shellfish samples has prompted authorities to maintain a harvesting ban across four municipalities in Matariñao Bay, Eastern Samar.
LSN Philippines ·
TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has extended the shellfish harvesting ban in Matariñao Bay following laboratory analysis that detected red tide toxins in shellfish meat samples collected from the area.
The ban remains in effect across waters encompassing the municipalities of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo, the BFAR confirmed. The restriction prohibits the collection and sale of shellfish from these areas as a precautionary measure to protect public health.
Red tide events, caused by harmful algal blooms, can accumulate toxins in shellfish that pose serious health risks to consumers. The toxins can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, a potentially severe condition characterized by neurological symptoms ranging from tingling sensations to paralysis.
Fisheries authorities have advised local communities and commercial harvesters to cease all shellfish collection activities in the designated zones until further notice. BFAR said it will continue monitoring water conditions and conducting regular testing before considering the lifting of restrictions in affected areas.