‘No red tide in WV’
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Western Visayas has assured the public that red tide has not reached its shores.
BFAR Regional Director Drusila Bayate struck off reports that El Nino phenomenon’s smoldering heat can spawn red tide, as she clarified that certain microscopic plants called algae, particularly the brown and red species which give rise to the reddening of sea water, are entirely to blame for the occurrence of red tide.
Bayate traced the formation of red tide to toxic algae which thrive in stationary coastal waters.
She said that if a school of fish consumes the algae, such could lead to a fish kill, which in turn is deadly to humans if the fish is ingested.
In like manner, Bayate said that toxins from algae can readily seep into the body of a shellfish (tahong) to produce death in humans.
Bayate disclaimed the possibility of red tide formation in the region, saying that its coastal waters are constantly on the move although she admitted that red tide was reported in the province of Capiz more than 20 years ago.
Recent reports indicated that red tide has been detected in Sorsogon Bay in Bicol, Bislig Bay in Mindanao, and in Zamboanga del Norte. (PNA)
