• Today: October 31, 2026

Red tide phenomenon persists

The red tide phenomenon continued to plague the coastal waters of Belait, Tutong, and Brunei-Muara districts as well as the waters of Brunei Bay, including the areas around Tugu, Ujong Sapoh, and Pulau Kaingaran, according to the latest statement issued by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry yesterday.

The latest findings were based on monitoring carried out continuously by the Department of Fisheries in collaboration with relevant agencies, namely the Marine Police and Operations Department of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), as well as the Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), guided by laboratory analyses conducted by the Department of Fisheries.

Based on the latest monitoring findings and laboratory analyses conducted from 25 to 29 October 2026, Pyrodinium bahamense, the organism responsible for the red tide phenomenon, continues to be detected in the affected areas.

In light of the red tide phenomenon continuing to affect coastal waters and Brunei Bay, the Department of Fisheries once again reminded the public to adhere to 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.

The public is also advised against consuming any fish found dead, particularly those originating from affected waters in Brunei Darussalam.

The fishes in question are at risk of being contaminated with toxins produced by organisms that cause red tide, where exposure to these toxins can cause poisoning with symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, muscle numbness, and paralysis, and in serious cases, can cause death.

The Department of Fisheries has also issued a stern warning to fishermen not to conduct fishing activities in affected waters. Fishermen are further reminded not to catch or sell the prohibited small fish species and any of the shellfish listed in the advisory.

Sales through online platforms, including social media applications such as TikTok and Instagram, are also prohibited. Enforcement action will be taken against any parties found continuing to sell the prohibited fish species through online platforms.

Members of the public are likewise reminded not to purchase the prohibited small fish species, whether sold at markets, business premises, or through online platforms, including social media.

This precaution is intended to protect consumers from the risk of purchasing and consuming fish that may have been contaminated by the red tide phenomenon.

The public is also advised to avoid using seawater from affected areas and refrain from water-based activities, including bathing and swimming, along the affected coastlines.

These precautionary measures are intended to prevent exposure to affected waters, which may cause skin rashes. At the same time, the public is advised not to circulate unverified information that has not been confirmed by the authorities, in order to prevent confusion and 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 country’s waters and coastal areas.

Reports, enquiries, or information regarding the sale of prohibited fish species may be submitted through the Department of Fisheries telephone line at 2770068 during office hours, its hotline at 8984526, or by email at enquiry@fisheries.gov.bn.

The Department of Fisheries will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to strengthen monitoring of the red tide phenomenon and ensure that official information and the latest developments are communicated to the public on an ongoing basis.

Public support and cooperation in complying with the advice issued and reporting any incidents are essential in assisting monitoring efforts and safeguarding public health and safety. – James Kon

Photo shows the areas affected by the red tide. PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES/MINISTRY OF ECONOMY, TRADE AND INDUSTRY

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/JAMES KON

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