The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has announced the removal of the red tide alert for three bays in Negros Oriental, following laboratory tests that showed no presence of harmful algal blooms. The affected areas, Bais Bay in Bais City, and Siit Bay and Tambobo Bay in Siaton, have been cleared for the consumption of shellfish and small shrimp, known locally as ‘alamang’. This decision was made public on November 19, 2024, reversing the earlier warning issued on October 25. Florencia Mepaña, the BFAR-Negros Oriental provincial chief, confirmed that the advisories from BFAR-7 in Central Visayas, dated November 19, supported the lifting of the alert. Samples taken on November 4 and 11 from these bays were analyzed and found to contain toxin levels below the Philippine Regulatory Limit for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP). Previously, in September, a red tide warning was issued for Bais Bay due to dangerously high levels of toxins like pyrodinium and saxitoxins, which can lead to serious health issues or death if ingested in large quantities. Mepaña emphasized that ongoing monitoring by BFAR and local government units in Bais City and Siaton will continue to ensure public safety and protect the shellfish industry. Red tide advisories are precautionary measures taken when toxin levels from harmful algal blooms surpass safe limits for human consumption.
