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.

The Great 2012 Doomsday Scare

The Great 2012 Doomsday Scare

11.09.09

Scenes from the motion picture “2012.” Courtesy Columbia Pictures. This guest article on 2012 was written by E. C. Krupp, Director of Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles and is reprinted with permission from Sky & Telescope Magazine. The publisher and the author reserve all rights. All opinions are the author’s own.

(NASA) The year 2012 is acting like a badly behaved celebrity. Frightful rumors and gossip are spreading. Already more than a half dozen books are marketing, to eager fans, astronomical fears about 2012 End Times. Opening in theaters on Friday, Nov. 13, will be 2012, a $200-million disaster movie that seems designed to break all records for disaster spectacles — with cracking continents, plunging asteroids, burning cities, and a tsunami throwing an aircraft carrier through the White House. The movie’s ominous slogan: “Find out the truth.” Two other major movies about the 2012 doomsday are also reported to be in the works.

Anyone who cruises the internet or all-night talk radio knows why. The ancient Maya of Mexico and Guatemala kept a calendar that is about to roll up the red carpet of time, swing the solar system into transcendental alignment with the heart of the Milky Way, and turn Earth into a bowling pin for a rogue planet heading down our alley for a strike.

None of it is true. People you know, however, are likely becoming a bit afraid that modern astronomy and Maya secrets are indeed conspiring to bring our doom. If people know you’re an astronomer, they will soon be asking you all about it.

Here is what you need to know.

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.

Toxic Algae Bloom Scotland

Shellfish harvesting on a Lewis loch has been halted after Food Standards Agency inspectors found potentially harmful levels of toxic algae. The ban on Loch Leurbost comes after tests showed eating shellfish such as cockles,mussels or razor fish may pose a risk to human health. Notices to warn the public and casual gatherers have been posted at various locations on the shore. Commercial shellfish harvesters have been contacted by the comhairle and steps taken to postpone harvesting until algae levels subside. A council spokesperson said:‘It is a sensible precaution to avoid eating shellfish from these areas until further notice. ‘The council is monitoring the situation and will remove warning notices when it improves.’ A warning has also been issued for locations in the Kilbrannan Sound after Argyll and Bute Council carried out monitoring work which revealed raised levels of naturally occurring algal toxins in Campbeltown Loch,Kildalloig Bay,Carradale Bay,Saddell Bay and Machrie Bay,Pirnmill. These areas were closed on July 3 and signs posted to warn gatherers and members of the public of the danger. Commercial shellfish harvesters in these areas have also been contacted by the council and steps taken to postpone harvesting until algae levels subside. Eating shellfish such as cockles,mussels or razor fish from these areas may cause food poisoning. The algal toxins do not affect the taste of the shellfish and are not destroyed by freezing or cooking.