Latest red tide organism count from addition samples from Dauis reached 6,000 per liter, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

BFAR-Bohol in-charge Leo Bongalos cited the laboratory results from UP-Dilliman Marine Research Institute in the worsening red tide alert.

warned that red tide count in Dauis increased to 6,000 per liter.

Other samples taken from Cainget beach along barangay Booy, Tagbilaran City also proved positive of red tide, while samples from Panglao proved negative.

Bongalos, however, warned that it is still unsafe to eat shellfish from the area, considering its proximity to Dauis.

Other coastal areas with the same lagoon pattern as Dauis are also advised to take pre-cautionary measures, according to Bongalos.

The examination on samples from Cainget beach was prompted after a resident from Jagna ate “kudja” from Cainget and showed symptoms of red tide poisoning though less serious.

Sea urchin samples were found negative of red tide organisms, but Bongalos said it is still better to avoid it because sea urchins thrive in the seabed, exposing them to red tide organisms.

Bongalos explained that fish and crabs are safe from red tide but, at the height of the red tide alert, it is necessary to clean them thoroughly, especially those harvested from Dauis and the area between Dauis and Tagbilaran.