The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 1 (BFAR-RFO1) has announced that shellfish samples collected from the coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda have once again tested positive for red tide toxins, reversing its earlier declaration that the areas were red tide-free.
In an advisory posted Wednesday on the official Facebook page of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Regional Office 1, authorities said the latest laboratory results showed a renewed presence of red tide toxins in shellfish gathered from the affected coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda, Pangasinan.
As a precautionary measure, the agency urged the public to temporarily refrain from gathering, selling, and consuming all types of shellfish and alamang (Acetes sp.) from the said areas while awaiting the release of an official Shellfish Bulletin.
BFAR clarified, however, that fish, squid, crabs, and shrimp remain safe for human consumption, provided that these are fresh, properly cleaned, with internal organs removed, and thoroughly washed before cooking.
The latest development comes just days after BFAR issued Shellfish Bulletin No. 04, Series of 2026, dated February 20, 2026, declaring that all types of shellfish and alamang collected from mariculture areas in Infanta and the coastal waters of Bolinao, Anda, Alaminos City, Sual, and Bani in Pangasinan, as well as Rosario and Sto. Tomas in La Union, were free from red tide toxins and safe for consumption.
The reappearance of red tide toxins indicates that the red tide-free status in parts of Pangasinan was short-lived, prompting renewed caution among coastal communities, vendors, and consumers.
BFAR stated that it continues to conduct regular monitoring to ensure public safety and appealed for understanding and cooperation from residents and stakeholders while laboratory testing and verification are ongoing.