In Eastern Samar: BFAR-8 detects red tide presence in Matarinao Bay

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas and some LGUs here have observed the recurrence of red tide at Matarinao Bay, off the coasts of Gen. MacArthur and Hernani towns in Eastern Samar.

Juan Albaladejo Jr., BFAR-8 regional director, said the recurrence of red tide in Matarinao Bay was observed last week after the agency and the LGUs surrounding the area conducted laboratory tests, according to a report from PIA-8 the other day.

The red tide phenomena last occurred in March 16, 2010 and remained until May last year. “Shellfish samples collected from Matarinao Bay tested positive for traces of paralytic poison, commonly known as red tide,” Abaladejo said.

BFAR-8 has warned the public to refrain from eating all types of shellfish and alamang (krill) sourced from Matarinao Bay or from the seas of Salcedo, Quinapondan, Hernani and General MacArthur towns.

Seafood from these areas are not safe for human consumption, said Abaladejo, while cautioning the public not to eat fish raw (kinilaw), even if these, along with squids and crabs are safe for consumption. Fish must be thoroughly washed and the internal organs removed before cooking, he said.

Red tide refers to the algal blooms, the proliferation of which causes the production of natural toxins, depletion of dissolved oxygen and other harmful effects, including toxins ingested by shellfish.

The symptoms for red tide poisoning are facial numbness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, abdominal cramps and weakness or paralysis of one or more extremities. These are manifested less than 24 hours after ingestion of red tide-contaminated shellfish. —from the wires (FREEMAN)