TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas has issued a red tide warning for Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, advising the public to refrain from harvesting, selling, and consuming shellfish from the affected waters due to the presence of harmful algal blooms.
In an advisory issued on Monday, June 2, BFAR-8 Regional Director Dominador Maputol said laboratory analysis of filtered seawater samples collected from the bay tested positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, a toxic dinoflagellate known to produce saxitoxin, the toxin responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
“As a precautionary measure to safeguard human lives, we are urging the public to avoid gathering, selling, and eating all types of shellfish and Acetes species—locally known as alamang or hipon—from Matarinao Bay,” the advisory read.
The Matarinao Bay covers the towns of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo.
BFAR clarified, however, that fish, squid, crab, and shrimp from the area remain safe for consumption provided they are fresh, cleaned thoroughly—particularly with entrails removed—and properly washed before cooking.
The agency assured residents and local government units (LGUs) that it is closely monitoring the affected bay to ensure public safety and prevent the risk of shellfish poisoning.
BFAR advised residents to remain vigilant and comply with the advisory until BFAR declares the waters safe again.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
