Opinions | City Talk
Red tide is not affecting enjoyment at beaches
Beaches were on the alert last week as the red tide passed through the Gulf waters, stirring the curiosity of residents as to where it was going to hit next.
- By Mariam M. Al Serkal and Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporters
- Published: 22:53 April 11, 2009
- Image Credit:
- I am not a beachgoer ... I think the red tide will ... [end] ... soon and will not have a big effect on the beaches, says Prerna Shivdasani, Real estate client manager.
Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Beaches were on the alert last week as the red tide passed through the Gulf waters, stirring the curiosity of residents as to where it was going to hit next.
The Environment Agency at Abu Dhabi (EAD) said that the red tide did not affect the capital, as its usual life cycle is about 3 to 4 days.
Last week red tide was spotted along the Dubai coastline, which prompted Dubai Municipality to close the beaches near the Burj Al Arab and Umm Suqueim Park.
Residents were also warned to avoid eating seafood that had been collected from the algal bloom area since it may be contaminated. City Talk took to the streets and asked residents if they are worried about the red tide and how this has affected them.
Mohammad Al Taweel, 27-year-old sales developer, Saudi Arabia, said: "I was planning to go to the beach [at] the weekend but have cancelled the plan now just to be safe. I read about it in the newspapers and am aware of the red tide phenomena, although I am not exactly sure what side effect it has on humans. But that has not stopped me from eating fish."
Sibtain Hirji, real estate manager from the United Kingdom, 48, said: "The red tide is supposed to be harmless but it does give you rashes. I have seen that many beaches are empty now but think that people are only scared about it this week, and people will start going to the beach again soon. I have read that it is dangerous to eat fish that are affected by it, so I am not eating it and will wait a couple of weeks before buying it again."
Jelena Bundesmann, German manager, 45, said: "I spend a lot of time on the beach, and have noticed that the water is milky and that there is less visibility and marine life. There are also more algae on the shores but that is not going to stop me from going to the beach and swimming, unless I see that reddish-brownish colour around me in the water. I will not stop eating fish unless they prove to me that the red tide has an impact on it until then, I have to assume that they only catch fish in good areas in the sea since fish only survive in good water conditions."
Prerna Shivdasani, real estate client manager, India, 30, said: "I am not a beachgoer and am still waiting for the weather to get warmer. I think the red tide will ... [end] ... soon and will not have a big effect on the beaches; otherwise the government will have to try and interfere in doing something to remove it. As I am a vegetarian, the effect it has on fish does not affect me at all."
Dr Mazen T. Al Janabi, specialist plastic surgeon from Iraq, said: "I do not usually go the beach, and it is not going to change my lifestyle. First off, the red tide has not reached Abu Dhabi. Secondly, I do not go to the beach anyway because I simply hate tanning. As for eating fish, I will continue to do so, as I do not believe the red tide will remain for long. It will be diluted soon. It is not a horror episode for me and I will continue to live my life normally," he said.
Hadi Al Chourami, Syrian IT technician, 25, said: "I am worried about it and will not be swimming these days. Although I have not seen the red tide reach Abu Dhabi yet, I will not risk my life just to have a swim. What is the benefit of swimming if it can harm me. As for not eating fish, I do not have an issue with that as I do not eat fish anyway."
Theresa Lagrimas from the Philippines, staff nurse, 50, said: "I am not worried but I will definitely stop swimming during this period to be on the safe side. I also believe that the authorities should keep a close eye on contaminated fish being sold in the markets. Maybe they should put a ban on sales of fish these days given the weather conditions and the red tide. As for my family and I, we can adjust and will stop eating fish."
Sidiq Ebrahim, Indian business developer, 32, said: "I go to the beaches in Sharjah and have not heard any news about it, so I assume that they have not been affected by it. I never eat fish, as I am a strict vegetarian, so am not worried about whether the fish are contaminated or not."
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