Authorities will keep the red tide advisory in place in Bolinao, Pangasinan despite recent tests showing negative toxin levels, as nearby waters in Anda remain positive and could still pose a contamination risk, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.

BFAR Region 1 said its latest marine biotoxin laboratory analysis showed that the coastal waters of Anda are still positive for red tide toxin, while Bolinao has tested negative. However, officials said the advisory will not be lifted until Bolinao records three consecutive weeks of negative results.

Harvesting and selling shellfish from Bolinao remain prohibited, BFAR said, citing the close proximity of Anda, which continues to test positive.

Martin Allayban, officer-in-charge of the BFAR Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division, said shared waters between the two towns could allow toxins to spread.

“Kasi ang tinitignan namin dahil sa iisang tubig lang maaari kasing kahit na negative ang Bolinao at positive ang Anda maaaring maapektuhan pa rin when it comes to microalgae, ‘yung dinoflagelates, ‘yung ating tubig dito sa baybayin ng Bolinao,” Allayban said.

BFAR said results of the second marine biotoxin laboratory analysis are expected later this week. Water sampling along the coast is conducted every Tuesday, the agency added.

Allayban urged local government units to closely monitor shellfish markets and verify the source of products being sold.

“’Yun po ang palagi naming sinasabi sa ating mga local government units to monitor ‘yung kanilang mga markets kasi iba-iba ang sources ng ating mga shellfishes so maaaring tignan ‘yung kanilang auxiliary or local transport permit na ini-issue ng BFAR,” he said.

Meanwhile, shellfish sales at the Magsaysay Fish Market in Dagupan City continue to feel the impact of the red tide alert. Vendors said demand remains weak, while prices for shellfish sourced from Bataan have slightly increased.

Mussels now sell for ₱50 to ₱70 per kilo, while oysters range from ₱100 to ₱120 per kilo, according to market sellers.

Vangie Cayago, a vendor, said sales have slowed as prices rise.

“Medyo tumumal talaga ang bentahan at saka tumaas ang bigay nila sa amin ngayon,” Cayago said.