Belait waters spared from red tide
By Liza Mohd

Residents in the Belait district have been warned against fishing due to the red tide phenomenon.

The Fisheries Department recently confirmed the toxic red tide phenomenon has hit Seria waters, though Belait waters have been spared so far from the menace.

The department's Enforcement Officer in Kuala Belait Awg Hj Jumat bin Hj Bandul stated that during a surveillance performed recently, with the assistance of Royal Brunei Navy, they discovered that the red tide has now extended from the waters of Muara to Seria.

It urged the public not to consume small fish and shellfish caught from the affected areas, though bigger sea animals are of no threat to health, as long as the internal organs are thoroughly removed before cooking.

The officer also warned the public against catching and harvesting small fish and shellfish from Belait waters, fearing it could be polluted.

Following the announcement of the red tide, the Belait fish market had been receiving fewer visits from the public.

A few fishmongers claimed to be able to only muster an income of $100 per day, compared to $500 before the crisis hit the area.

The public even stays away from the big fishes, though they do not pose a danger, they said.

The Fisheries Department noted the difficulty in overcoming the market situation, and is currently actively tackling the crisis.

Meanwhile, a briefing on red tide will be held today at the District Office's public hall. Chief and village leaders, longhouse heads and representatives from various government agencies are expected to attend the event.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin