Authorities have imposed a temporary ban on harvesting and consuming shellfish in Leyte town, Leyte province, after samples from the area tested positive for paralytic shellfish toxin.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 8 advised the public to avoid gathering, selling, or eating all types of shellfish and Acetes sp., locally known as alamang or hipon, from affected waters to prevent shellfish poisoning.
Red tide occurs when certain microscopic algae multiply rapidly in favorable conditions such as warmer waters, calm seas, and nutrient-rich runoff, producing toxins that can accumulate in shellfish and pose health risks to humans.
BFAR noted that red tide warnings in Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Cancabato Bay in Tacloban City; and Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar have been lifted after recent shellfish samples tested negative for toxins.
Shellfish and alamang from the cleared areas are now considered safe for consumption, the agency said.
However, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, covering the municipalities of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo, remains under restriction after tests continued to show the presence of red tide toxins, making shellfish and alamang from the bay unsafe to eat.
BFAR reminded the public that fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs remain safe to eat from both affected and cleared waters if they are fresh and properly cleaned, and advised people to continue following official advisories while monitoring of coastal waters continues.