Sorsogon’s coastal waters remain safe from red tide

By Bennie Recebido

With reports from the Bicol Mail Reportorial Team

SORSOGON CITY --- The coastal waters of Sorsogon province remain free from harmful red tide toxins, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the Bicol Region.

Although Shellfish Bulletin No. 16, Series of 2026 was issued on June 27, the advisory remains in effect because BFAR releases shellfish bulletins every two weeks unless monitoring results require an earlier update. BFAR Bicol Public Information Officer Rowena Bricia-Briones furnished the advisory to the Bicol Mail during presswork on Wednesday, July 6 and confirmed that the June 27 bulletin remains the latest official advisory until a new one is issued.

The bulletin declared all monitored coastal waters in Bicol negative for red tide toxin.

Areas found negative for the toxin include the coastal waters of Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate, Sorsogon Bay, and Juag Lagoon in Matnog, Sorsogon.

BFAR Bicol said shellfish collected from these areas are safe for human consumption. The agency also announced that the gathering, harvesting, transport, and sale of shellfish from the identified waters are permitted.

BFAR regularly conducts red tide monitoring in coastal areas to protect public health and the fisheries industry from harmful algal blooms that may contaminate shellfish with toxins hazardous to humans.

Recent shellfish samples collected from Sorsogon Bay and Juag Lagoon showed that all types of shellfish, as well as alamang (shrimp fry) and other seafood from these areas, are safe for consumption, provided they are fresh and properly cleaned.

Red tide occurs when microscopic algae multiply rapidly due to favorable environmental conditions, including warm sea temperatures and nutrient-rich agricultural runoff. Shellfish feeding on these algae can accumulate toxins that are dangerous to humans.

The continued red tide-free status provides significant economic relief to aquaculture farmers and helps ensure a steady supply of safe seafood in public markets.

It also safeguards two of Sorsogon's most important marine ecosystems. Sorsogon Bay, which spans several local government units including Juban, Casiguran, Castilla, and Sorsogon City, serves as the province’s primary aquaculture area.

According to BFAR, the bay is abundant in native bivalves such as oysters (talaba), mussels (tahong), and various clam species, including halaan and tuway.

Juag Lagoon, a protected marine sanctuary in the municipality of Matnog, is home to diverse marine life, including rare fish species and lobsters, while also supporting the area's eco-tourism industry.

With the waters declared safe, local fishers can continue harvesting, transporting, and selling their products without regulatory restrictions. Seafood vendors have likewise reported stable market prices, avoiding the decline in consumer confidence that often accompanies red tide warnings.

The favorable monitoring results are particularly significant for Barangay Pamurayan, whose economy depends heavily on its mussel farming industry in Sorsogon Bay.

The advisory assures tourists and regular buyers that Pamurayan’s seafood products remain safe, sustaining consumer confidence, especially following the barangay's annual Tahong Festival, which showcases its thriving mussel industry.

According to Punong Barangay Arles Janaban, Pamurayan has about 1,900 residents, including approximately 200 aquaculture producers organized under the local fisherfolk association.

“The entire Barangay Pamurayan, especially our mussel farmers, is deeply grateful that Sorsogon Bay remains safe and clean from red tide. Thanks to this good news from BFAR, our residents can continue harvesting and earning without worrying about their health or livelihood,” Janaban said.

While Sorsogon’s waters remain free of red tide, BFAR continues to advise consumers to observe proper food safety practices by purchasing seafood only from authorized vendors, selecting products that are visibly fresh, and washing them thoroughly before cooking.

BFAR records show that the last time Sorsogon Bay tested positive for toxic red tide was in October 2022. (PIA)

BOUNTIFUL AND SAFE A fresh harvest of native shellfish sits against the backdrop of Sorsogon Bay, which remains officially free of toxic red tide according to the latest BFAR Shellfish Bulletin. The negative result ensures that seafood from the bay is completely safe for consumers, providing vital economic security to local aquaculture communities like Barangay Pamurayan that relies on these clean waters for their daily survival. Photo: PIA Sorsogon