Red tide invades Samar bays anew

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on Friday revealed that the red tide phenomenon has recurred in three bays in Samar and Eastern Samar provinces, raising warning not to consume shellfish products in these areas. In a statement, the BFAR identified the bays as Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar, coastal waters of Calbayog City, Samar; and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar province. The bloom of this toxic organism returned in Matarinao after three weeks of red tide absence and in Irong-Irong Bay after nine months. The coastal water of Calbayog City was included in the red tide watch in early 2022.