BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The red tide phenomenon continued to affect the coastal waters of the Belait, Tutong and Brunei-Muara districts as Pyrodinium bahamense, the organism responsible for red tide was still being detected at the affected areas following monitoring conducted by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Marine Police, Operations Department of the Royal Brunei Police Force, and the Joint Force Headquarters of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), together with laboratory analyses from October 16 to 19, 2026.
The Department of Fisheries in its latest statement yesterday reminded the public to continue to comply with the safety advice and instructions that have been issued.
The public is also advised not to collect or consume affected small fish species. These include fish species such as aur-aur, tamban, basong-basong, pusu and kuasi, as well as bubuk (shrimp fry), all types of shellfish and any fish found dead, particularly those from affected waters in Brunei.
These fish and seafood products may be contaminated with toxins produced by the organism responsible for red tide.
Exposure to these toxins can cause human poisoning, with symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, numbness and muscle paralysis.
In severe cases, poisoning may result in death.
In addition, fishermen are strictly prohibited from catching small fish or collecting shellfish from affected waters in Brunei. As a precautionary measure, fish vendors are also advised not to sell the listed small fish species, particularly those sourced from areas affected by red tide.
The cooperation of fishermen and fish vendors is essential to ensure that potentially contaminated fish do not enter the market or reach the public.
The public is also reminded to avoid using seawater from affected areas and to refrain from all water activities, including bathing and swimming, along the affected coastal areas until further notice.
The Department of Fisheries will continue monitoring fish sales at wet markets to ensure that prohibited fish species are not being sold.
The department also emphasised that compliance with its advice and instructions is essential to protect public health and safety throughout the red tide phenomenon.
Meanwhile, the public is advised against spreading unverified information that has not been confirmed by the authorities, to prevent confusion and unnecessary public concern.
Members of the public, particularly fishermen and fish cage operators, are also encouraged to report any changes in water colour or the discovery of large numbers of dead fish in the waters and coastal areas of Brunei. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
