Fisheries Dept urges halt on shellfish harvest in PD following elevated biotoxin levels

SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan Fisheries Department has urged fishers to stop harvesting shellfish, including mussels, in Port Dickson following elevated biotoxin levels exceeding safety limits.

Department director Kasim Tawe said tests from the Kuala Lumpur Fisheries Biosecurity Centre detected seawater contamination, with a second round of testing underway before an official ban is enforced.

Speaking to Bernama on Friday (Aug 8), he said the department is working with the Area Fishermen’s Association to implement the temporary halt.

The advisory follows reports of red-coloured seawater near Pasir Panjang, suspected to be a harmful algal bloom.

The Telok Kemang Fishermen Association had also reported signs of the bloom in the area. Samples were taken last Wednesday (Aug 6). — Bernama