Red tide-causing organism detected in Carigara Bay waters

TACLOBAN CITY — Seawater samples collected from Carigara Bay tested positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, a toxic microorganism associated with paralytic shellfish poisoning, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said in an advisory on Tuesday.

The positive samples were collected from waters covering parts of Babatngon, San Miguel, Capoocan, Barugo and Carigara, all in Leyte.

The detection of Pyrodinium bahamense, a dinoflagellate commonly associated with red tide events in Philippine waters, has prompted authorities to monitor the affected areas and remind coastal communities and consumers to observe existing shellfish safety advisories.

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Red tide occurs when certain microscopic algae, including toxin-producing dinoflagellates, multiply rapidly in marine waters. Some species can produce toxins that accumulate in filter-feeding shellfish such as mussels, oysters, and clams.

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Consuming contaminated shellfish can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), which may lead to symptoms ranging from numbness and vomiting to difficulty breathing and, in severe cases, death.

The presence of the microorganism in seawater does not necessarily mean that the water itself is poisonous to people. The main food-safety concern is the accumulation of toxins in shellfish and other marine organisms that may be consumed.

BFAR regularly collects and tests seawater and shellfish samples in areas where red tide organisms are detected.

Consumers are advised to follow official advisories from the BFAR before gathering or eating shellfish from affected waters.

Further monitoring will determine whether toxin levels in shellfish warrant a shellfish ban or other restrictions./coa