UAE | Environment
Abu Dhabi beaches on red tide alert, say officials
Beaches of Abu Dhabi are on red tide alert, officials said late on Monday.
- By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 11:09 April 7, 2009
- Image Credit: Supplied photo
- Red tide is the result of an influx of a type of algal bloom; it is so named because it turns the water a reddish colour.
Abu Dhabi: Beaches of Abu Dhabi are on red tide alert, officials said late on Monday.
"We are monitoring the situation closely. So far it has not entered the capital, but it depends on factors like wind direction and water salinity," said Thabit Al Abdessalaam, Director of Biodiversity Sector-Marine Environment at Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
"It is unlikely that it will spread to Abu Dhabi because today it (red tide) is very much dissipated and was not seen in its original intensity. Its usual life cycle is about 3 to 4 days," he said.
EAD, along with Dubai authorities, inspected water bodies on Monday to find that red tide had spread until the Jebel Ali area.
"The fact that it stopped raining is also helping us, because rain would cause draining of more nutrients into the sea that triggers red tide.'' Also the winds are not in the easterly direction, he said.
EAD is coordinating with Abu Dhabi Municipality as well as authorities in Dubai to make sure all precautionary measures are taken, Abdessalaam said.
On Monday, red tide along the Dubai coastline has prompted the Dubai Municipality to close the beaches near the Burj Al Arab and Umm Suqueim Park.
The last time a major red tide problem was witnessed in the UAE was in 2003, when fish deaths were recorded in Mussafah Channel.
But minor occurrences of red tide were recorded several times, however, those were mostly away from the city (in areas like Delma, Al Yasat, Sir Baniyas etc) and did not warrant any action, he said. Public beaches will only be closed if a serious problem is seen.
EAD has been monitoring the phenomenon since 2003. "The fish death most probably occurred when the oxygen was reduced in the water due to high nutrient enrichment in the channel and the associated algal bloom. We found that lack of circulation of water was the cause, so we opened the Channel for better circulation and we haven't had a problem after that," he said.
What is red tide?
Harmful algal blooms, otherwise known as HABs, are caused by microscopic single-celled plants known as phytoplankton that live in the sea. They are popularly known as ‘red tides' because they cause the sea to take on a red colour.
Phytoplankton is responsible for about half of the Earth's photosynthesis and ultimately provides the food that is transferred up the food chains to fish and marine mammals. Most species of phytoplankton are harmless.
However, some can produce potential toxins and form blooms, which may kill marine life in large numbers. Toxic phytoplankton may also harm local ecosystems, sometimes with a negative impact on human health and the economy.
The toxic species which found in Abu Dhabi waters in 2003 were capable of producing DSP (Diarrhectic Shellfish Poison), PSP (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning), and NSP (Neurotoxic Shellfish Poison) toxins.
Why does it occur?
According to EAD's studies, this increasing occurrence of algal blooms is probably a result of a combination of two things: natural and anthropogenic (due to human influences) activities.
It is likely that human activities such as dredging, land reclamation and land filling are making the situation worse by increasing nutrient levels of the water by way of dust.
Moreover, the discharge of ballast water from ships may have resulted in the introduction of new bloom-forming species.
Advice
Avoid swimming in waters where algal blooms have been known to occur.
Avoid sitting on a beach where algae have been washed ashore, or you may end up with an itchy rash.
Keep children away from affected waters and shores. Children tend to swallow large amounts of water by accident while swimming.
Avoid eating seafood that has been collected from the algal bloom area since it may be contaminated.
Symptoms of algal bloom poisoning include nausea, irritated sky and eyes, gastrointestinal problems and fever. If you suspect you have these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.
Related Links
More from UAE Environment
More from UAE
Latest news
- Tracks to be laid on recycled material
- Golden Hour crucial to a patient's survival
- Opening show worthy of UAE
- Sun is shining on prospects for solar power
- Artists focus on craftsmanship
- World leaders committed to supporting civilians
- Schools open a new page in teaching English
- Special parking to help disabled tourists
- Helping hand surgeons have long sought
- Blind woman lights up corridors of power
- In Mind
- At times, I think of committing suicide
- Designer of a creative haven
- Fund to help Dubai taxi drivers' families
- New life-saving fleet of vehicles
Community Reports
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
-
Supporting the needy with food supplies
Group of families engaged in serving isolated labour community hopes to motivate more people to help underprivileged and hungry
-
Leukaemia boy granted wish to meet footballer
Emirati meets hero Al Qahtani, Al Ain team
