The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned the public last January against consuming shellfish harvested from Davao Oriental, Bohol, Western Samar, Leyte, Capiz, Aklan, Iloilo, and Biliran as the coastal waters in these areas remain positive for red tide. What is red tide? What are the signs and symptoms of red tide poisoning? What is the treatment available? —betty_bc@yahoo.com Red tide is the familiar name given to the reddish or brownish discoloration of coastal waters that occurs when there is a high concentration of dinoflagellates in the water. Dinoflagellates are algae that produce substances poisonous to people. They proliferate explosively or “bloom” when certain environmental factors that are favorable to their growth—warm surface temperature, high nutrient content, low salinity, and calm seas—come together. Dinoflagellates and other algae comprise a big group of marine plants and plant-like organisms that serve as food for many forms of aquatic life including [...]
