Chapter 1

The problem and a review of literature

The information in this chapter will cover the subject that has been selected. It provides the
study's background, problem statement, significance, scope and delimitation, definition of key
terminology, hypothesis, and conceptual framework.

1.1 Background of the Study

Red tide is a naturally occurring coastal phenomena caused by harmful algal blooms
(HAB), which have a negative impact on health, the financial security of the residents, and
the destruction of the marine ecology. They are HABS. caused by tiny algae, which can kill
fish and render shellfish unsafe to consume by producing toxins. It happens at various
Samar, one of the poorest provinces in the Philippines, at various points during the year.
The Philippine Statistics state that Authority's website states that as of December 2016,
Samar has the second-highest rate of poverty at 39.5 percent. Eastern Visayas has the
highest level. Recurrences of red tide might harm the environment given its state. the
province's already precarious state, particularly for Samarenos residing the towns along
the shore. The study by Morgan, Larkin, and Adams (2008) found that locals rely on
newspapers and other. The employment of such media for information distribution,
including televisions showing red tide alerts, should continue. removing misconceptions
about the red tide phenomena to prevent or minimize revenue losses for neighborhood
businesses.

In the meanwhile, there is significant disagreement and erroneous information

about understanding of The crimson tide in Florida (Hall et al., 2012). Also in 2014,
Fleming et al. did research on decision-making in scenarios with unknown environmental
health risks, such as red tide. A misperception is a false perspective or viewpoint that is the
result of flawed reasoning or comprehension. Davis (1997) categorized misconceptions as
preconceived notions, unfounded or conceptual beliefs that lack a scientific basis.
Misunderstanding, misunderstandings of the vernacular, and falsehoods. Relative to the
red tide phenomena, misconceptions may impact people in two different ways: first,
activities of individuals without a scientific foundation are seen by others as factual since
they were already their custom from the past, and secondly, the opposite. Additionally, it
was found that locals possess more information about the red tide in Florida than the local
tourists. Despite the abundance of outreach resources (print and online) and media
coverage concentrating on the issue has been created and used for information
transmission, but no formal an evaluation of this material's effectiveness in informing the
public was done (Nierenberg et al., 2010).

Additionally, Hall, et al. (2012) claimed that people's practices and views might be
impacted by their misconceptions about the red tide. And could lessen the likelihood of
solving the issue. Numerous research on red tide have focused on the way that human
bodies are being poisoned. There is virtually little research that addresses the social
consequences of the health effect, human loss, and economic costs. Filipino traditions,
beliefs, and scientific understanding in relation to reducing red tide are only a few
examples (Bankoff, 1999). Indeed, there is no established standard tool for extending
research on the social effects of red tide. Local communities affected by this information
about phenomena must be accurate. To address and further examine the societal
implications of red tide, to assess how Samarenos' social characteristics have helped to
mitigate red tide, a uniform survey tool is required. It's beneficial. encourage scientific
knowledge among Samaritanos, which might change their misconceptions and
misunderstandings, as well as established procedures that can aid in red tide mitigation.
Additionally, Samareos' goals and obstacles include Policymakers need this knowledge to
plan actions in the province of Samar that will address the red tide problem.

1.2 Theoretical Framework

According to a study by Whitehead et al. from 2003, learning more about a Pfiesteria
species had an estimated impact. bloom on risk attitudes, seafood demand, and willingness
to contribute to a mandated seafood inspection program. When a fish kill caused by
Pfiesteria was reported, the perceived risk of eating seafood increased, which led to a drop
in demand. However, just around half of visitors and locals think it is safe to buy fish from
supermarkets and eateries. The 1946–1947 red tide along the west coast of Florida served
as the catalyst for theory of Karenia brevis blooms in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the
1960s and 1970s saw new regulations for clam growing areas that were successful in
managing public health. examination of K. Before the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded the
Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (ECOHAB) and NOAA Monitoring and
Event Response of Harmful Algal Blooms (MERHAB) programs in the late 1990s, brevis
blooms were sporadic and followed funding cycles. Study of K. was made possible by these
specific financing schemes, which were supplemented by State of Florida appropriations.
brevis blooming on many temporal and spatial scales contributed to the advancement of
knowledge. In light of contemporary advancements, this review examines research findings
from the past.

The study of Alexandrium found in abundance in and on the edges of this current. In
the microscopic world of marine algae, it is a relatively large organism with the ability to
swim. It turns out that swimming may give the species an advantage, says Townsend,
especially during the mid and late summer months . This can result in a reluctance to eat
shellfish, which could have detrimental economic effects on the restaurant and shellfish
businesses. Only 20% of respondents realize it is safe to fish recreationally during a bloom,
while the remaining 59% think it is dangerous. Consequently, similar to a Pfiesteria spp. On
the charter fishing and bait shop sectors of the Gulf Coast, concerns about a Florida red tide
bloom might have a significant financial impact. It is obvious that greater efforts must be
made to inform the public about the safety of recreational seafood and the distinctions
between seafood that is purchased commercially and seafood that is caught recreationally.
Uncertainty exists over the sources and kinds of information that would be most effective
in raising public awareness of seafood intake. The organizations in charge of regulating
seafood do not all have an equal obligation to inform the public. Not promoting healthy fish
is their job; protecting the public from hazardous seafood is. It is doubtful that they would
be the most efficient disseminator of the knowledge even if they engaged in more
aggressive outreach and education regarding the safety of seafood. According to two
national studies, less than half of those surveyed have confidence in governmental
organizations when it comes to matters of food safety (Knight et al., 2007; Hicks et al.,
2008). This speaks directly to concerns about public perceptions of regulatory agencies'
transparency and trust (Lofstedt, 2006).

1.3 Statement of the Problem

Red tide is a natural occurrence that has the potential to seriously harm both the
environment and human health. Toxins that red tide blooms can produce can make fish,
shellfish, and other marine life ill or even kill them. Humans who consume these animals
may develop a number of illnesses, such as respiratory conditions, neurological issues, and
digestive issues. Red tide blooms are especially dangerous for Jiabong, Samar, a coastal
municipality. Red tide blooms can have a disastrous effect on the community's economy
because there is a sizable fishing industry there.

Red tide blooms can also discourage tourists from visiting Jiabong, which is a well-
known tourist destination. Despite the risks posed by red tide, there is a lack of
understanding of community perceptions and awareness of red tide risks in Jiabong,
Samar. This information is essential for developing effective red tide management and
education strategies. This knowledge gap can be filled by conducting a quantitative analysis
of Jiabong, Samar's community perceptions and awareness of red tide risks. The study can
pinpoint areas where locals need more red tide education while also evaluating the efficacy
of current red tide management techniques.

The findings of the study can be used to develop more effective red tide management and
education strategies for Jiabong, Samar. This will help to protect the health and safety of
the community and to mitigate the economic and environmental impacts of red tide
blooms.

1. To what extent do residents of Jiabong, Samar perceive red tide outbreaks as a

threat to their health and well-being?
2. How do local cultural and social factors influence community perceptions and
awareness of red tide risks?
3. What factors or events have shaped the community’s perceptions and awareness of
red tide risks over time?
 1.4 Hypothesis

Ha: There is a positive correlation between educational level and the awareness of
red tide causes, consequences, and prevention measures among the community in Jiabong,
Samar.

1.5 Conceptual Framework

This portion of the research will present a visual representations of process to

obtain required information as well as presenting the final output of the study. Where, it
will cover the required resources to attain the said information and to visualize the final
output of the study.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Respondent’s demographic
Profile:  The researchers will
conduct an interview
 These are the
 Male and female using questionnaires outcomes of the
 Age bracket: 18 in gathering study, such as the
above information’s from level of awareness of
 Education status: the respondent’s. red tide risks in the
Illiterate community, the
Literate community's
Educated  Conducting focus concerns about red
 To determine the group in our study tide, and the
challenges, they community's
encountered during can help researchers to attitudes towards red
red tide. identify common themes tide management
 To determine if and pattern’s in people’s strategies.
there are any perceptions and awareness
personal of red tide risks.
experiences with
red tide that are
associated with
different levels of
awareness of the
red tide risks.
1.6 Significance of the study
Studying the Community Perceptions and Awareness of Red Tide Risks in Jiabong,
Samar is because it can assist in determining areas where the neighborhood needs more
red tide education. Red tide poses a serious risk to the public's health, so it's critical that
everyone understands the dangers and how to avoid being exposed. Researchers and
decision-makers can create more efficient educational and outreach initiatives by
comprehending the community's level of red tide knowledge and awareness. Additionally,
red tide perceptions and awareness can be used to evaluate how well the current red tide
management strategies are working. Researchers and policymakers can make adjustments
to improve the efficacy of red tide management if the study reveals that people are
unaware of or do not trust the current management strategies.

This study on red tide perceptions and awareness can aid in the creation of more effective
red tide communication strategies. Researchers and policymakers can create communication
strategies that are more likely to be well received by the community by understanding how people
view and discuss red tide. Overall, the Jiabong and Samar communities' perceptions and awareness
of red tide risks are a significant study that can help better understand and manage this significant
public health issue.

The study aims to the Community Perceptions and Awareness of Red Tide Risks in
Jiabong, Samar will be advantageous to following group of people:
Residents of Jiabong, Samar: The study will assist residents in better comprehending the
dangers of red tide and in learning how to prevent exposure. People who live near the coast
or frequently engage in coastal recreation will find this information to be of particular use.

Government and policymakers: The study will give them knowledge about how well-
informed the public is about red tide risks and how they feel about red tide management
tactics. Programs for managing and educating the public about the red tide can be
improved with the help of this information.
Researchers: The study will advance our understanding of how people perceive and are
aware of red tides. This data can be used to create fresh theories and models about how
people perceive the risk of the red tide, as well as better red tide communication strategies.

1.7 Scope and delimitation of the study

The focus of investigation is only the communities and residents of Jiabong, Samar
to determine the if there are any personal experiences of red tide that are associated with
different levels of awareness of the red tide risks, and to gather data on how many percentage of
community members who are aware of red tide risks by the end of 2023.

This study aimed to resolve problems that the communities of Jiabong, Samar were dealing
with the awareness of red tide risks outbreak in the said area. It did not address any concerns that
were not regarded as obstacles at the communities in Jiabong, Samar, since there are many
communities the selection of the responses is only constrained.

1.8 Definition of Key Terms

Red tide: A red tide is a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that happens when marine life is sickened or
killed by toxins produced by rapidly growing algae in the ocean. When people eat contaminated
seafood, red tides can also result in respiratory, neurological, and gastrointestinal issues in people.

Community perceptions and awareness of red tide risks: refer to the knowledge,
attitudes, and beliefs of community members regarding red tide, including their comprehension of
the causes, effects, and warning signs of red tide, their concerns regarding the risks of red tide, and
their satisfaction with the current red tide management strategies.

Jiabong, Samar: In the Philippine province of Samar, Jiabong is a coastal municipality. Jiabong’s
location and reliance on fishing make it particularly susceptible to red tide blooms.

Risk perception: is the method by which people and groups make arbitrary judgments about the
dangers posed by dangerous situations or technologies.

Access to information: is the capacity of people to acquire and use knowledge that is pertinent
to their needs and interests.

Trust in government and other institutions: is the conviction that these organizations are
dependable and competent and that they will act in the public's best interests.
 Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

In accordance with In four Southwest Florida urban regions over a 25-

year span, from 1987 to 2012, this study looked at newspaper coverage of Florida red tide
blooms. We emphasized how media interpreted red tide tales in relation to environmental
danger, health risk, and economic risk. We came to the conclusion that risk was a crucial co
mponent of this news coverage, being discussed in relation to the environmental risk, the d
anger to tourism, and the risk to the general public's health. The analysis discovered that
environmental issues are most frequently used to frame red tide news stories.