• Today: October 9, 2026

Red tide detected in Belait waters

Pyrodinium bahamense, the organism responsible for the red tide phenomenon was detected in the coastal waters of Belait District following monitoring conducted by the Fisheries Department under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Marine Police under the Operation Department of Royal Brunei Police Force, as well as findings from laboratory analysis on October 6 and 7, 2026.

The Fisheries Department in statement yesterday urged the public, especially fishermen, not to catch fish or collect shellfish in the affected areas, and not to take or consume fishes found dead in the waters of Brunei Darussalam as they may have been contaminated with toxins produced by the organism.

Exposure to the toxin can cause food poisoning-like diarrhoea and vomiting, numbness in the body, muscle paralysis, and in serious cases can cause death.

As preventive measures, fish vendors are advised not to sell small fishes like aur-aur, basong-basong, pusu, kuasi, bubuk, and all types of shellfish affected by red tide.

The public is reminded to remove all gills, stomachs and internal organs from fish before cooking and are also advised not to consume small fish whose gills, stomachs and internal organs cannot be removed, as well as shellfish collected from affected areas or from sources of unknown origin. The public was also advised to avoid using water or engage in any water-related activities, such as swimming, in the affected coastal areas.

The Fisheries Department said it will continue to closely monitor the red tide phenomenon and provide official information and the latest updates from time to time, to ensure that the public receives accurate, reliable and up-to-date information on the situation in the country.

The public, particularly fishermen and fish-cage operators, are 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 through 2770068 and 8984526 (during working hours), or via email at enquiry@fisheries.gov.bn.

The public was also advised not to circulate or share any information that has not been officially verified by the authorities. Any information or enquiries related to the matter may be directed directly to the Fisheries Department through its official website and social media platforms. 

PHOTO: FISHERIES DEPARTMENT

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/JAMES KON

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