A prolonged red tide alert in parts of Pangasinan has started to strain livelihoods and push up prices of shellfish, even as authorities assure consumers that seafood sold in major markets comes from safe areas.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 1 (BFAR-1) said red tide warnings remain in effect in the coastal waters of Anda and Bolinao, causing continued monitoring and advisories against harvesting shellfish from the affected towns.

“Actually, nag-aalala rin po kami kasi masyado na siyang matagal dahil affected po ‘yung livelihood ng mga shellfish gatherers and traders,” Girly Dela Peña, director of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 1, said.

Despite the alert, shellfish continue to be sold at the Magsaysay Fish Market in Dagupan City, with vendors saying their supply now largely comes from areas not covered by the red tide warning, including Bataan.

“Bago po pumasok yung supply dito, napapara na po sila diyan sa plaza. Tsaka di naman papayag si mayor diyan. Kung may red tide talagang nag-i-inspect sila,” Vangie Cayago, a shellfish vendor, said.

Some buyers said they remain confident purchasing shellfish as long as authorities allow the products to be sold.

“Ayos naman po basta binebenta po nila eh sure naman po sigurong ligtas pong kainin,” Vic Esquejo, a customer at the market, said.

While supply has remained steady, prices have risen this week. Mussels (tahong) that previously sold for P40 to P70 per kilo now cost between P60 and P90 per kilo. Oyster (talaba) prices have also increased to about P100 per kilo from around P80 previously, vendors said.

BFAR said it will continue water sampling and monitoring in the affected coastal areas and urged consumers to buy shellfish only from certified safe sources as the red tide alert remains in place.