Red tide alert up in 4 Samar bays

CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) yesterday imposed a shellfish ban in four Samar bays that tested positive for algae, which produces the red tide toxin.

Shellfish harvested from the Irong-Irong, Cambatutay, Maqueda and Villareal bays are not safe for human consumption, the BFAR said.

The water in these areas tested positive for pyrodinium bahamense, a micro-organism that causes poisoning when ingested.