The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has raised a red tide alert in the coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda after shellfish samples tested positive for toxins.

In an advisory issued on April 10, 2025, BFAR warned the public not to gather, sell, or eat any type of shellfish and alamang (krill) from these areas to avoid Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).

“Nagbigay ng babala regarding sa mga ipinagbabawal na produkto na galing sa dagat o baybayin ng Bolinao at Anda. Partikular mga produkto na tulad ng talaba, tahong at alamang,” Bolinao Municipal Agriculturist Eulalio Ramirez said.

To prevent contaminated shellfish from reaching the market, the Bolinao Municipal Agriculture Office immediately conducted an information campaign in public markets, barangays, and other key areas.

Authorities also tightened controls on the issuance of auxiliary invoices for transporting seafood from these towns.

While the agriculture office in Anda has yet to issue a statement, enforcement is already underway.

In Dagupan City, market inspectors regularly patrol the Magsaysay Fish Market to ensure no banned shellfish from Bolinao or Anda enters local stalls.

“We make sure na kumpleto ang papeles—auxiliary, permits kung saan ang pinanggalingan ng mga seafood products,” Dagupan City Market Supervisor II Federico Sabado, Jr. said.

Vendors like Jay Villanueva assured customers their mussels are safe.

“Itong tahong na benta ko, galing sa probinsya ng Bataan. Kaninang madaling araw [dumating],” he said.