Ministry of Environment monitors algal bloom in UAE’s waters

Dubai: The Ministry of Environment and Water has monitored the presence of algal bloom or overgrowth of microscopic marine plants in the country’s territorial waters overlooking the Arabian Gulf, off Ras Al Khaimah’s territorial coasts.

The marine phenomenon, which scientists refer to as “harmful algal bloom”, happens when tiny algae or marine plants rapidly multiply that can often deplete oxygen in the water or produce natural toxins. These toxins could kill fish and make shellfish dangerous to eat in what is commonly known as “red tide” because the overgrowth of algae usually turns the seawater red.

The ministry is currently working in cooperation with the Regional Organisation for Protecting Marine Environment on controlling the phenomenon and minimising its impact on marine life. Images were taken to show the biological activity off the country’s coastline in the Arabian Gulf, which indicates the potential occurrence of the red tide.

The move comes as part of the National Work Plan to Monitor the Red Tide Phenomenon, to ensure a swift response to tackle potential red tide whenever it happens or in case of the presence of algae bloom, also known as Cochlodinium Polykrikoides, or the death of fish and other marine species.

The ministry, however, reassured the public that there is nothing to be afraid of as the algae are not present in high concentrations, which could cause fish death or marine life contamination.

Residents reassured

The ministry assured residents that they are closely monitoring the situation and are doing all they can to protect and preserve the marine environment.

The ministry advised beachgoers and fishermen to abide by the recommendations and instructions aiming to protect public safety. It urged them not to approach areas affected by the algal bloom and not to collect or eat dead fish, if they find any.

The ministry is already working on a surveillance programme by satellites to monitor the biological activity on the UAE’s west coast so as to react swiftly to tackle the red tide whenever it happens.

A team of experts from the ministry collected samples from different parts of the country’s coasts overlooking the Arabian Gulf, to conduct laboratory tests to find out the percentage of algal concentrations in the waters.

The tests showed the existence of green algae and several marine microorganisms. When the algae are present in high concentrations, the water appears to be discoloured or murky, varying in colour from purple to almost pink, normally being red or green. Not all algal blooms are dense enough to cause water discolouration, and not all discoloured waters associated with algal blooms are red.

Red tides affected the country’s eastern shores in 2008 and 2009, resulting in the death of a large number of fish.