LEYTE Province, Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warns residents in the towns of Biliran and Leyte against consumption of shellfish and acetes or “alamang” after the agency’s tests on the towns’ waters came back positive of red tide toxins.
BFAR Assistant Regional Director Justerie Granali said the main reason for red tide contamination is the aggregation of the algal bloom or production of dinoflagellate due to the changing climate.
“Ang ating klima ay hindi na umaaraw, panay ang ulan. Ang ating mga bays ay flushing (the toxin) na nagiging cause ng red tide,” said BFAR Assistant Regional Director Justerie Granali.
(It has been raining continuously lately, the sun has barely come out. The bays have been flushing toxins which causes red tide.)
Though red tide alert is raised in the area, Granali said residents may still eat fish, squid, and crabs but reminds the public to clean and cook them well.
Authorities advise residents not to ignore the warning as red tide poisoning can be fatal. – Archyl Egano / Marje Pelayo
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