BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The red tide phenomenon that continued in the coastal waters of the Belait, Tutong and Brunei-Muara Districts has spread to the waters of Brunei Bay, including the areas around Tugu, Ujong Sapoh and Pulau Kaingaran, after Pyrodinium bahamense, the organism responsible for red tide, was detected in the affected areas in the latest monitoring findings.
According to the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the monitoring efforts were being carried out continuously 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, supported by laboratory analyses conducted by the Department of Fisheries.
As the red tide has affected coastal waters and Brunei Bay, 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 have a risk of contamination with toxins produced by the organism responsible for red tide. Exposure to these toxins can cause human poisoning, with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, numbness and muscle paralysis. In severe cases, poisoning may result in death.
The department also issued a stern warning to fishermen not to conduct fishing operations in affected waters. Fishermen are reminded not to catch or sell small fish species and any types of shellfish as specified in the advisory.
The sale of these marine products through online platforms, including social media applications such as TikTok and Instagram, is also prohibited. Enforcement action will be taken against any parties found continuing to sell the affected fish species and shellfish online.
The public is also reminded not to purchase the prohibited small fish species, whether sold at markets, commercial premises or through online platforms, including social media. This advisory aims to protect consumers from the risk of purchasing and consuming fish that may have been contaminated as a result of the red tide phenomenon.
The public is 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. These precautionary measures are intended to prevent exposure to affected waters, which may cause skin rashes.
As the prohibited small fish species are still being sold through social media, the public’s cooperation is encouraged to help curb the sale of fisheries products that may be contaminated. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
