Authorities have reinstated a shellfish ban in parts of western Pangasinan after red tide toxins were detected again in coastal waters just a week after they were declared safe, officials said.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 1 said recent water analysis found red tide toxins in the sea waters of Anda and Bolinao. The agency has prohibited the harvesting, sale and consumption of shellfish from the affected areas.

Authorities said monitoring showed high salinity and low dissolved oxygen levels along the coast, conditions that allow toxin-producing organisms to multiply.

“Ang nakikita nating factor ang sabi nga natin ay ‘yung toxin ay nandiyan lang sa baybayin ng Anda at Bolinao and when it is conducive ay dumadami siya and upon observation ng one week dito sa Anda at Bolinao medyo walang movement ang body of waters natin dito sa Anda at Bolinao,” Martin Allayban, OIC-RFTFCD of BFAR-1, said.

Officials said local governments have been urged to intensify inspections of auxiliary invoices to prevent the possible entry of shellfish sourced from restricted waters into public markets.

In Dagupan City, authorities conducted continuous inspections and advisories at the Magsaysay Fish Market to inform vendors and buyers about the red tide alert affecting the two municipalities.

Some vendors said the advisory disrupted trade despite shellfish being sourced from other provinces.

“Nabigla kami kasi kasasabi lang wala na red tide tapos ngayon mayroon na naman,” Vangie Cayago, a vendor, said.

Consumers like Jonathan Ramos said the warning changed their buying choices.

“Mahirap na dahil may red tide kaya pusit nalang muna ang bilhin ko,” he said.

At the market, mussels were selling for about P80 to P90 per kilogram, while oysters were priced at around P100 per kilogram as of February 26, 2026, traders said.