Red Tide Bulletin in the Philippines

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has warned residents living in 5 coastal areas of high volume of red tide toxins in its waters. In its latest red tide bulletin, BFAR said it is not safe to consume all types of shellfish from Dumanguilas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur; Murcellagos Bay, Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental; Milagros, Masbate; and Balite Bay, Mati, Davao Oriental. BFAR also said all types of fish, crabs, squids and shrimps are deemed safe for human consumption as long as it is washed thoroughly. Symptoms of red tide poisoning, including headache, vomiting and stomach cramps, can be felt in less than 24 hours after consumption.

Red Tide Toxin Hazard in Philippines,

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bicol director Dennis Del Socorro released a report that Red Tide toxin in contaminated shellfish has caused the death of a 5- years old child and caused 12 other residents of Sitio Bongcana, barangay Paraiso in Milagros, Masbate to be hospitalized from poisoning. In an effort to curb the transport of contaminated shellfish out of Milagros, BFAR reinstalled check points in main highways in Masbate province. Shellfish is a major fishery product in Milagros town. According to Del Socorro, since June 17 this year BFAR experts have conducted tests in sea waters of Milagros, revealing that Red tide toxin levels have increased by 282 uni-micro-grams in every 100 grams of shellfish meat that were tested. Although a more recent test confirmed that toxin levels decreased to 263 uni-micro-grams, still experts consider this fatal to humans who eat contaminated shellfish,. Meanwhile, BFAR has declared that neighboring waters of Mandaon, Masbate, Sorsogon Bay, and Juag Lagoon in Matnog Sorsogon are still free from Red tide.