Tacloban city: Three bays in Eastern Visayas remain under the threat of toxic red tide, as reported by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday. Recent examinations of shellfish and seawater samples have revealed toxin levels exceeding the regulatory limits in these bodies of water.

According to Philippines News Agency, the latest national shellfish bulletin identifies Matarinao Bay, located in the towns of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo in Eastern Samar, as affected by the red tide. Both shellfish and seawater samples from this area have tested positive for red tide toxins.

Additionally, local red tide warnings have been issued for Cancabato Bay in Tacloban City and Irong-irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar province. Seawater samples collected from these bays have been found to contain harmful toxins.

The advisory from BFAR strongly cautions the public against collecting, selling, or consuming any type of shellfish, including small shrimp, from these areas. However, fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs are deemed safe for consumption if they are fresh, thoroughly washed, and have their internal organs removed before cooking.

BFAR's local shellfish bulletin emphasizes the importance of this advisory to protect human health. The current conditions of the seawater pose a risk of paralytic shellfish poisoning and potential fatalities. Nationwide, only three bays are listed in the latest national shellfish bulletin, with Dumanquilas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and the coastal waters of Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay being the other two.

The recurrence of red tide in the region's bays is attributed to the presence of red tide cysts, as explained by BFAR. Frequent rains contribute to the runoff of soil sediments rich in organic matter, which fertilizes the red tide cysts and triggers the phenomenon.