Negros Oriental: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has issued a red tide advisory for Siit Bay in Siaton, Negros Oriental, warning the public against consuming shellfish and 'alamang' (krill/small shrimp) due to high levels of harmful toxins found in the water.

According to Philippines News Agency, Florencia Mepa±a, the BFAR-Negros Oriental provincial chief, stated that the BFAR-7 (Central Visayas) office detected elevated levels of dangerous toxins in water samples taken from the bay. To further assess the situation, they are also requesting shellfish meat samples from Siit Bay for additional laboratory testing.

Mepa±a explained that before declaring a red tide occurrence, BFAR monitors specific areas for three consecutive weeks to confirm the presence of organisms that could lead to a harmful algal bloom (HAB). The current situation is attributed to the elevated presence of Pyrodinium Bahamense, a harmful dinoflagellate known to cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). This increase is reportedly due to agricultural runoff carrying nutrients that facilitate HAB or red tide.

Water samples collected from Siit Bay on June 10 revealed that the levels of Pyrodinium Bahamense had exceeded the regulatory limit. Mepa±a noted that while garbage and pollution are other causes of red tide, this particular species is the most well-known and toxic.

Residents have been advised not to collect, sell, or consume shellfish and 'alamang' from Siit Bay as a precautionary measure while awaiting confirmatory laboratory tests from the BFAR national office. In addition, BFAR is also monitoring and collecting water samples from Tambobo Bay in Siaton and Bais Bay in Bais City for potential HAB occurrences. The erratic weather conditions in the province, particularly with the onset of the rainy season, are known to contribute to algal blooms.