Temporary restriction imposed on Siit Bay shellfish by Bfar
Heads Up! 🚨 Shellfish and 'Alamang' Ban in Siit Bay, Siaton 🚨
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 has swung into action following the discovery of harmful microorganisms in Siit Bay, Siaton, Negros Oriental. On June 13, 2025, a temporary ban was imposed on the collection and sale of all shellfish and 'alamang'.
The ban was triggered by test results indicating the presence of Pyrodinium bahamense – a toxic microorganism responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) or popularly known as red tide[1][4][5]. The news comes from laboratory tests conducted by BFAR 7, the Negros Oriental Provincial Fishery Office, and the Provincial Agriculturist Office, with samples collected on June 10th.
"To safeguard human lives and soften the blow on the shellfish industry until the confirmatory analysis is complete, this temporary ban is introduced as a precautionary measure," the advisory states, urging the public to stay away from gathering, selling, and consuming any types of shellfish or 'alamang' from Siit Bay[1][5].
While the ban is in place, other marine life, including fish, squid, crab, and shrimp, can still be consumed, provided their entrails are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed before cooking[1][5]. BFAR 7 assures the public that it is working hand-in-hand with local government units to monitor the area and manage potential risks.
So, folks, keep your eyes peeled! For now, it's all about avoiding shellfish and 'alamang' from Siit Bay till further notice. Safety first! 🔒 🦀🐙❗️ / CDF – Keeping you in the know!
[1] Pyrodinium bahamense: The Hidden Danger in Shellfish[4] Red Tide: damages, causes and consequences[5] Seafood Safety 101: Tips & Tricks for Safe Eating
While we're at it, let's take a quick dive into the world of sea creatures and their toxins. Pyrodinium bahamense is a single-celled organism that produces potent toxins, causing devastating effects on marine life and posing a serious threat to humans if consumed. Its presence often results in the infamous "red tide" phenomenon, characterized by discolored waters teeming with harmful algae. These toxins can cause various health issues in humans, such as shellfish poisoning, which can lead to symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal disturbances to neurological problems and even death in extreme cases. With the appropriate precautions and safety measures, it's important we continue to enjoy our seafood experience while minimizing the risks involved. – CDF
Sources
- Pyrodinium bahamense: The Hidden Danger in Shellfish: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4265078/
- Red Tide: damages, causes and consequences: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3354/jmars00075
- Seafood Safety 101: Tips & Tricks for Safe Eating: https://www.cleanseas.org/seafood-guide/#safeserving*
The temporary ban on collecting, selling, and consuming shellfish and 'alamang' from Siit Bay is a precautionary measure taken by the government, due to the discovery of Pyrodinium bahamense, a harmful microorganism that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), also known as red tide, which is a threat to human health. The government is working in partnership with local government units to monitor the situation and manage potential risks in Siit Bay, emphasizing the importance of environmental science and medical-conditions in the realm of health-and-wellness.
