• Today: October 14, 2026

Red tide-causing organism detected in three districts

The red tide-causing organism Pyrodinium bahamense continues to be detected in coastal waters off Belait, Tutong and Brunei-Muara districts, the Department of Fisheries said.

In a statement on Tuesday, the department said laboratory analyses conducted from October 11 to 13 confirmed the organism remained present in the affected waters.

The department, under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, urged the public to continue observing safety advisories and avoid consuming small fish species, including aur-aur, tamban, basong-basong, pusu and kuasi, as well as bubuk (shrimp fry) and the shellfish species listed in its advisory.

Location of areas affected by the red-tide phenomenon (within red line). PHOTO: Department of Fisheries

The public was also warned against consuming any fish found dead, particularly those from affected waters, as they may contain toxins produced by the organism.

Exposure to the toxins can cause poisoning, with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, numbness and muscle paralysis. Severe cases may be fatal.

Fishermen are strictly prohibited from catching the listed small fish or collecting shellfish from affected waters. Fish vendors are also advised not to sell the restricted species, particularly those sourced from affected areas.

The department said it would continue monitoring fish sales at wet markets to ensure prohibited species were not being sold to the public.

The public is further advised to avoid using seawater from affected areas and refrain from all water activities, including bathing and swimming, along the affected coastlines until further notice.

The department urged the public to continue observing safety advisories and avoid consuming small fish species, including aur-aur, tamban, basong-basong, pusu and kuasi, as well as bubuk (shrimp fry) and the shellfish species listed in its advisory. PHOTO: Department of Fisheries

The department also urged the public not to circulate unverified information that could cause confusion or public concern.

Fishermen and fish-cage operators are encouraged to report any changes in water colour or discoveries of large numbers of dead fish in the country’s waters and coastal areas.

Reports and enquiries can be made to 2770068 during office hours, the hotline at 8984526 or by email at enquiry@fisheries.gov.bn.

The department said it would continue working with relevant agencies to intensify monitoring and provide official updates on the situation.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

Venues

BSB

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Leave a Comment

Total visitors: 3,720,794 | Today's visitors: 20,408
Updated: 20:31:03