TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities have imposed a shellfish ban in parts of Leyte after seawater samples from Carigara Bay tested positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, a microorganism associated with paralytic shellfish poisoning.
The Sept. 29 advisory covers the coastal waters of Babatngon, San Miguel, Capoocan, Barugo and Carigara in Leyte.
The public has been advised to refrain from gathering, selling and consuming all types of shellfish and Acetes sp., locally known as “alamang,” harvested from the affected waters.
The shellfish ban also remains in effect in Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, covering the coastal waters of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani and Salcedo, after shellfish meat samples from the area tested positive for red tide toxins, according to Shellfish Bulletin No. 23, series of 2026.
Authorities said fish, squid, shrimp and crab harvested from the affected waters may still be consumed, provided they are fresh and properly prepared.
Consumers are advised to remove the internal organs, including the intestines and gills, and thoroughly wash the meat with running water before cooking.
Pyrodinium bahamense is a dinoflagellate capable of producing toxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. The organism has previously been associated with harmful algal blooms in Eastern Visayas, including Carigara Bay.
Authorities continue to monitor the affected coastal waters and will issue updates should there be changes in the red tide conditions.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
