By Xander Ledesma
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has intensified its efforts to monitor harmful algal blooms, which have been causing red tide in seawaters across Central Visayas, a fisheries official confirmed on Friday.
Crismalyn Golle, manager of BFAR-7’s Regional Fisheries Laboratory, said the agency is collaborating with provincial fisheries offices and local government units to conduct monthly surveillance of algal blooms. These blooms result from the rapid increase of algae populations, fueled by factors such as nutrient pollution—particularly elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels from sewage and agricultural runoff—and rising water temperatures that accelerate algal reproduction.
The agency has identified key monitoring sites, including Bogo Bay in northern Cebu, north and south Bais Bay, Tambobo Bay, and Siit Bay in Negros Oriental. In Bohol, the waters around Dauis town and Tagbilaran City are under close observation. Siquijor province remains unaffected and is not included in the red tide monitoring program.
The most recent red tide warning issued by BFAR-7 affected the waters of Tagbilaran and Dauis on October 24, but it was lifted on December 19 after the waters were declared safe.
Golle said that monitoring efforts will continue across the region to ensure early detection and prompt response to any potential outbreaks, safeguarding the local fishery industry and public health.