THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said it lifted the red tide warning for Carigara, Leyte after samples from the area tested negative for paralytic shellfish poison.
The BFAR said in its 30th shellfish bulletin that new red tide warnings were also issued for Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa, Orani, Abucay, and Samal, Bataan.
Areas that are still positive for red tide are Dauis and Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Biliran Island; Daram Island, Maqueda, Villareal, Cambatutay, Irong-Irong, and San Pedro Bays, Western Samar; Cancabato Bay, Leyte; and Matarinao Bay, Eastern Samar.
Other areas with red tide are Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur; Baroy, Lanao del Norte; and Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur.
All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang harvested from areas with red tide are deemed unfit for human consumption. Other marine species sourced from the same areas can still be eaten with proper handling.
Red tide occurs due to high concentrations of algae in the water. Human consumption of contaminated shellfish may cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, which affects the nervous system.
Typical symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning include headache, dizziness, and nausea. Severe cases may trigger muscular paralysis and respiratory problems. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave