• Today: October 16, 2026

Red tide phenomenon persists in three districts

The red tide phenomenon continues to persist in the coastal waters of the Belait, Tutong, and Brunei-Muara districts as Pyrodinium bahamense, the organism responsible for red tide, remains present in affected areas following joint monitoring conducted by the Department of Fisheries 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 carried out on October 14 and 15, 2026.

In light of the situation, the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in a statement on Thursday reminded the public to continue complying with issued safety advice and instructions.

The public is 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 sourced from affected waters across Brunei Darussalam.

These fish and seafood products may be contaminated 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.

Fishermen are strictly prohibited from catching small fish or harvesting shellfish from affected waters across the country.

As a precautionary measure, fish vendors are advised against selling the listed small fish species, particularly those harvested from areas affected by red tide. The cooperation of fishermen and fish vendors remains essential to ensure that potentially contaminated seafood does not enter the market or reach consumers.

The public is also reminded to avoid using seawater from affected locations and to refrain from all water activities, including bathing and swimming, along affected coastal areas until further notice.

The Department of Fisheries will continue monitoring fish sales at wet markets to ensure prohibited fish species are not being sold, emphasising that strict compliance with official instructions is essential to protect public health and safety throughout the phenomenon.

Meanwhile, the public is advised against circulating unverified information that has not been confirmed by relevant authorities to prevent confusion and unnecessary public concern.

Members of the public, particularly fishermen and fish cage operators, are encouraged to report any changes in water colour or discoveries of large numbers of dead fish along the waters and coastlines of Brunei Darussalam. – James Kon

Photo shows the area affected by the red tide phenomenon.
PHOTO: FISHERIES DEPARTMENT

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/JAMES KON

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