Algae bloom reduces shellfish harvest in Red Tide area
Temporary Fishing Ban Issued in Siit Bay
On a blustery Friday, June 13, 2025, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 announced a temporary ban on all types of shellfish and "alamang" collection from Siit Bay, located in Siaton, Negros Oriental, due to potential toxicity.
The announcement came after laboratory tests conducted by BFAR 7 Negros Oriental Provincial Fishery Office and Provincial Agriculturist Office revealed positive samples of Pyrodinium bahamense, a microorganism linked to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) or red tide.
BFAR 7 Director Mario Ruinata signed off on the suspension, urging the public to steer clear of gathering, selling, and consuming shellfish and Acetes sp. locally known as 'alamang' from Siit Bay. The directive emphasized, "Limit all contact with the water and avoid touching or eating any shellfish from the affected area."
Public Awareness
The BFAR committee encouraged the public to collaborate with local government units (LGUs) in monitoring the area and minimizing risks.
While the ban was in effect, BFAR reassured citizens that fish, crabs, shrimp, and other seafood could still be safely consumed if they were caught from areas where the water had been properly purified.
Stay informed about the situation by keeping tabs on local government updates and following advice from health officials. Don't let caution take a dive during this temporary closure. / CDF
When it comes to implementing fishing bans, authorities usually follow these steps:
- Harmful Contamination: Fishing bans are typically put in place due to the presence of harmful toxins in shellfish, which can pose a health risk to consumers. Often, these toxins are produced by harmful algal blooms.
- Systematic Monitoring: Government agencies monitor water quality and shellfish toxicity levels regularly to assess when it is safe to lift the ban.
- Public Notification: The public is often informed about the ban through local news announcements, government advisories, and signage in affected areas.
- Approximate Lift Timeline: The expected timeline for lifting the ban depends on the decrease in toxin levels within the shellfish, which can take several weeks to months depending on environmental factors and cleanup effort effectiveness.
- Updates: Regular updates on the ban's status are typically shared by local government or health department websites, social media, or press releases.
For the latest information regarding the fishing ban in Siit Bay, Negros Oriental, we recommend reaching out to local authorities or keeping a close eye on local news sources. Stay informed to ensure you're not caught in a sticky situation!
- Due to the presence of Pyrodinium bahamense, a microorganism linked to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), the government has issued a temporary ban on the collection of shellfish and 'alamang' from Siit Bay.
- The public is advised to avoid contact with the affected water in Siit Bay, and to not gather, sell, or consume shellfish or 'alamang' from the area.
- In addition to ensuring the safety of the food supply, promoting 'healthy-cooking' practices and consuming 'nutrition-rich' meals also plays a vital role in maintaining overall wellbeing, including mental health.
- As part of a comprehensive lifestyle plan, considering CBD derivatives might offer beneficial effects for managing stress and improving sleep quality, in conjunction with science-backed practices such as exercise, adequate sleep hygiene, and a balanced 'food-and-drink' regimen.
- To stay informed about the situation in Siit Bay, the BFAR recommends collaborating with the local government units (LGUs) and monitoring updates from health officials, similar to being proactive in educating oneself about improving health-and-wellness through science, cooking, and the careful selection of food-and-drink options.
