THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said it has lifted the red tide warnings on various locations in the Eastern Visayas, specifically Daram Island, Maqueda, Cambatutay, Irong-Irong, and San Pedro Bays, Western Samar; Cancabato Bay, Leyte; and Biliran province.
The BFAR said in its 32nd shellfish bulletin dated Nov. 26 that areas still affected by red tide are Mariveles, Limay, Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Hermosa, Orani, Abucay, and Samal, Bataan; Dauis and Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Guiuan and Matarinao Bay, Eastern Samar; Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur; Baroy, Lanao del Norte; and Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur.
According to the BFAR, all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang harvested from areas affected by red tide are unfit for human consumption. Other marine species from such 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 result in paralytic shellfish poisoning, which affects the nervous system.
Typical symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning include headache, dizziness, and nausea. Severe cases may cause muscular paralysis and respiratory problems. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave