5 April 2024
A recent analysis by the Kuala Lumpur Fisheries Biosecurity Centre revealed that mussels from Port Dickson’s waters are contaminated due to hazardous algae. The Department of Fisheries (DOF) Deputy Director-General (Management), Wan Aznan Abdullah, stated that water samples and mussels contained biotoxins and the presence of Prorocentrum, Alexandrium, and Pseudonitzschia algae species.
He said the DOF will continue monitoring and testing the waters following established procedures until the water’s cell density decreases and biotoxins in the mussels are no longer detected.
He also said that the DOF will collaborate with the malaysian police and marine police to prevent the harvesting and sale of shellfish in the area.
According to Wan Aznan, the existing mussels in the waters do not need to be disposed of as they will neutralize themselves. However, any mussels that have been harvested and sold in the market must be destroyed.