Red tide alert up in 2 Pangasinan coastal towns
INQUIRER FILES
DAGUPAN CITY—The coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda towns in western Pangasinan are now under strict surveillance following the detection of red tide toxins linked to a harmful algal bloom.
Bantay-dagat (sea patrol) teams and local fishery organizations are maintaining round-the-clock monitoring to ensure that no shellfish are harvested—whether for commercial sale or personal consumption, according to Jesem Gabatin, head of the Bolinao Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Management Council.
On Thursday, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) confirmed in an advisory the presence of red tide toxins in shellfish from Bolinao and Anda.
BFAR Regional Director Rosario Gaerlan said the advisory was a preventive measure ahead of the release of the national shellfish bulletin, aiming to protect public health.
READ: Red tide remains in Leyte, Eastern Samar seas
The public was advised not to harvest, sell, or consume any type of shellfish from the affected towns—including “alamang” or “hipon” (Acetes)—to avoid the risk of paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Coastal patrols
However, fish, squid, crabs and shrimp remained safe to eat, provided they are fresh, thoroughly cleaned, and properly cooked, with all internal organs removed.
Gaerlan also reminded local government units (LGUs) to prioritize the safety of their constituents.
In Bolinao, checkpoints have been established alongside coastal patrols to intercept any illegally gathered shellfish.
“All fish ports must require auxiliary invoices issued by the source LGU to ensure marine products are sourced from red tide-free areas,” Gabatin added.
The red tide has severely impacted the livelihoods of shellfish gatherers in at least 10 coastal villages.
“We’re hoping for the red tide to clear soon, as many families here depend on shellfish for their daily living,” said Gabatin.
According to BFAR protocols, a red tide advisory could only be lifted after three consecutive weeks of negative test results from shellfish samples.
Pangasinan last experienced a red tide episode in 2022, which lasted from April 7 to June 12.
Gabatin noted that the current bloom may have been triggered by high temperatures coupled with a neap tide—a period when tidal movement is minimal and waters remain stagnant.
Fishery operators are also wary of sudden rainfall during the neap tide, as it can stir up pollutants and uneaten fish feed from the seabed, potentially harming fish stocks raised in cages.
“A sudden downpour at this time could be dangerous to the fish being cultured in cages,” Gabatin explained, noting that neap tides typically last for about three days.
