BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The red tide phenomenon continues to persist in the coastal waters of the Belait, Tutong and Brunei-Muara districts, with Pyrodinium bahamense, the organism responsible for red tide, still being detected in the affected areas.
This follows monitoring 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 Joint Force Headquarters of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, alongside laboratory analyses conducted from October 20 to 23, 2026.
In a statement yesterday, the Department of Fisheries reminded the public to continue complying with the safety advice and instructions issued.
The public is also advised not to collect or consume small 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 Darussalam.
These fish may be contaminated with toxins produced by the organism responsible for red tide. Exposure to these toxins can cause poisoning in humans, with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, numbness and muscle paralysis. In severe cases, poisoning may result in death.
Fishermen are also strictly prohibited from catching small fish or collecting shellfish from affected waters in Brunei Darussalam. As a precautionary measure, fish vendors are advised not to sell the listed small fish species, particularly those sourced from areas affected by red tide. These measures are 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 said it would continue monitoring fish sales at wet markets to ensure that prohibited fish species were not being sold.
The department also emphasised that compliance with its advice and instructions was 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.
The public, particularly fishermen and fish cage operators, is 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 Darussalam. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
