TACLOBAN CITY -- Two Samar bays are now free of red tide toxins, but the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) found the algal bloom in two other bays in the region this week.
In a shellfish bulletin issued Friday afternoon, BFAR lifted the shellfish ban in Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City in Samar and Cambatutay Bay in nearby Tarangnan town.
Regulators found the presence of paralytic shellfish poison in the two bays on June 25. Since then, BFAR prohibited the gathering, trading and consumption of shellfish in affected areas.
Although the two bays are not major sources of shellfish in Samar province, the phenomenon has affected the livelihood of fishermen in Samar’s capital and nearby towns.
After more than two weeks, waters of Carigara Bay were tested positive of red tide toxins. The microorganisms remain in the area until today, according to the latest advisory.
The bay covers coastal waters of Carigara, San Miguel, Barugo, Capoocan, and Babatngon in Leyte.
Red tide phenomenon recurred in Eastern Samar’s Matarinao Bay this week affecting coastal communities in the towns of Salcedo, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Gen. MacArthur.
Bays previously hit by red tide that are now free of toxins are Cancabato Bay (Tacloban City in Leyte); San Pedro Bay (Palo and Tanauan in Leyte); Ormoc Bay (Ormoc City, Albuera and Merida in Leyte); Sogod Bay (Sogod, Southern Leyte); Villareal Bay (Villareal, Samar), and Maqueda Bay (Jiabong, Samar).
Fishes caught in this area are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh, washed and cooked thoroughly, according to BFAR’s advisory.
The fisheries bureau has stepped up water sampling activities in affected areas to ensure safety of shellfish consumers. (PNA)
JBP/SARWELL Q. MENIANO
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