BFAR raises Red tide alert in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has raised a red tide alert in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay after detecting the presence of paralytic shellfish poison in two major fishing grounds.
In an April 3 bulletin, echoed by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) through Memorandum No. 032, Series of 2025, BFAR-9 confirmed the presence of toxic red tide in Dumanquillas Bay (Zamboanga del Sur) and Tantanang Bay (Zamboanga Sibugay).
“All types of shellfish and Aceles sp., commonly known as ‘alamang’ or shrimp fry, collected from these areas are unsafe for human consumption,” the advisory stated.
The warning comes as residents in coastal communities—many of whom rely on fishing and shellfish gathering for food and livelihood—continue to grapple with climate-related disruptions and food security concerns.
What is red tide?
Red tide is caused by harmful algal blooms, which can produce toxins harmful to both marine life and humans. One of the most dangerous forms is paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), which can cause symptoms ranging from numbness and dizziness to fatal respiratory paralysis when contaminated shellfish is consumed.
According to BFAR-9, fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs caught from the affected bays remain safe to eat, as long as they are fresh, thoroughly cleaned, and cooked properly. However, internal organs like gills and intestines—which may accumulate toxins—must be removed before cooking.
BFAR Precautionary measures
The RDRRMC-9 has directed all local disaster risk reduction offices and member agencies to ramp up public information efforts and ensure communities are aware of the risks. Local authorities have also been urged to monitor markets to prevent the sale of contaminated shellfish.
Dumanquillas and Tantanang Bays are significant fishing grounds in the Zamboanga Peninsula, supporting thousands of small fisherfolk. Red tide outbreaks not only pose public health risks but also threaten local economies, especially in rural and coastal barangays already facing high poverty rates.
The public is advised to heed all safety warnings and wait for clearance from BFAR before resuming the collection and consumption of shellfish from affected areas.
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