2 Samar bays cleared of red tide

CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) yesterday lifted the shellfish ban it imposed on Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City and Canba-tutay Bay in nearby Tarangnan town, both in Samar, after the waters in these areas tested negative for algae that produce the red tide toxin.

The BFAR said shellfish harvested from these bays are now safe for human consumption.

Aside from the two bays, also declared free from red tide are areas in Leyte such as the Cancabato Bay in Tacloban City; San Pedro Bay in Palo and Tanauan; Ormoc Bay in Ormoc City, Albuera and Merida; Sogod Bay in Sogod, Southern Leyte, and Villareal and Maqueda bays in Villareal and Jiabong towns in Samar.