UAE | Environment
Weather change 'will end worst red tide in years'
Officials in the emirate are confident that the 'red tide' phenomenon, which they have described as "the worst in years", could finally be coming to an end.
- By Fuad Ali, Staff Reporter
- Published: 16:28 November 17, 2008
Fujairah: Officials in the emirate are confident that the 'red tide' phenomenon, which they have described as "the worst in years", could finally be coming to an end.
Despite the closure of a water desalination plant in Khor Fakkan, officials say the natural, seasonal occurrence has already subsided drastically and could be completely dispersed by the change in weather.
However, as a precautionary measure, swimmers with allergic conditions towards pollen or plants were advised to take care and inspect the situation in the sea before taking a dip.
Tonnes of fish which died of asphyxiation were cleaned off the beaches by Dibba municipality workers and fishermen have been banned from fishing within eight nautical miles of the shore.
The marine phenomenon, which scientists refer to as 'Algal bloom', has hit Dibba area hard, but remnants have also managed to reach large sways of the east coast including Khor Fakkan.
The event happens when algae accumulates rapidly in the water and can often result in depleting oxygen or producing natural toxins.
Engineer Saif Mohammad Al Shara, Director of the East Region Office for the Ministry of Environment and Water, told Gulf News the recent change in weather could help end this year's occurrence.
He said: "The 'red tide' happens every year but, for a number of reasons, this year it has been the worst for years. The size and spread of the occurrence has adversely affected fishing and tourism industries."
Affected: Plant still closed
Officials from the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) say they are closely monitoring the quality of sea water affected by the 'red tide' before they decide to re-open the water desalination plant in Khor Fakkan.
The newly opened water desalination plant was shut down on Saturday evening after waves of the 'red tide' phenomenon reached the site.
"Ground water will be available for all until the desalination plant is cleaned up. The only difference is that the water will be a little saltier," said Ahmad Al Mulla, Assistant Director for Technical Affairs at Sewa's East Coast Office.
- Mariam Al Serkal and Fuad Ali, Staff Reporters
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