By Marisol Bo-oc | 02:52 PM February 01, 2021
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) raised the red tide warning in Dauis town and Tagbilaran City in Bohol province.
In an advisory issued January 28, 2021, BFAR called on the local government units to monitor closely the fishing activities in Dauis town and Tagbilaran City in Bohol, particularly the gleaning of shellfishes.
The latest laboratory results from BFAR indicates that “the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.”
Two police officers were hospitalized on Sunday afternoon after eating “kuja,” in Caingget Beach which is part of Tagbilaran Bay.
Meanwhile, BFAR said that other areas hit by red tide are coastal waters of Honda and Puerto Prinsesa Bays in Puerto Prinsesa City in Palawan; coastal waters of Inner Malampaya Sound, Taytay in Palawan; Sorgoson Bay in Sorsogon; Tambo Bay in Siaton in Negros Oriental; San Pedro Bay, coastal waters of Daram Island, Zumarraga and Cambatutay Bay in Western Samar; coastal waters of Calubian, Leyte; Carigara Bay, Cancabato Bay in Tacloban City in Leyte; coastal waters of Biliran Island; coastal waters of Guian and Mantarino Bay in Eastern Samar; Balite Bay, Mati City in Davao Oriental, Lianga Bay and coastal waters of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur; and Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga Del Sur.
Red tide is a common term used to describe a coastal phenomenon in which the water is discolored by high algal biomass or concentration of algae.
It may be harmful or harmless. Red tide is harmless when there is no detrimental effect on the environment, living organisms and humans as well.
However, some cause mass mortality of fish or fish kills while others produce potent toxins such as Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning that are of public or health significance.
Red tide usually affects the so-called “filter feeders” like tahong, talaba, halaan, kabiya, litob, wasaywasay, and amahong. These are not affected by red tide but they accumulate the toxins in their bodies.
The person who eats shellfish with red tide toxin may be poisoned by the so-called Paralytic Shellfish Poison.
If a person ingests a contaminated shellfish, vomiting should immediately be induced and the victim should be rushed to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.