Business · Philippines Bureau
Toxic microorganism detected in Leyte bay waters, health alert issued
Authorities in Leyte have detected a harmful algal bloom organism in Carigara Bay following water sample testing. The discovery has prompted warnings over potential shellfish contamination risks.
LSN Philippines ·
TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has confirmed the presence of Pyrodinium bahamense in seawater samples collected from Carigara Bay, a toxic microorganism known to cause paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans.
The positive detections were identified in water samples gathered from multiple municipalities across the bay, including areas off Babatngon, San Miguel, Capoocan, Barugo, and Carigara in Leyte province. The discovery was announced in an official advisory released Tuesday.
Pyrodinium bahamense is associated with harmful algal blooms, commonly referred to as red tide events. The organism produces saxitoxins that accumulate in shellfish and filter-feeding organisms, posing significant health risks to consumers who ingest contaminated seafood.
The BFAR advisory typically triggers precautionary measures including monitoring of shellfish harvesting areas and public health warnings. Authorities have not yet announced specific restrictions, though fisheries officials generally recommend against harvesting shellfish from affected waters until organism concentrations decline to safe levels.
Residents and fishing communities in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and await further guidance from local fisheries authorities regarding safe harvesting practices and seafood consumption.