Latest outbreak of red tide retreating

Marine officials an outbreak of red tide detected off the east coast at the beginning of the month appears to be diminishing.

DUBAI // Marine officials say that an outbreak of red tide detected off the east coast at the beginning of the month appears to be diminishing. The potentially toxic bloom of red phytoplankton, or algae, regularly affects the Gulf between September and April and in the past has killed hundreds of tonnes of fish. Since the present algal bloom was first spotted on September 1 off the Dibba coast, samples have been collected twice daily and analysed by specialists at the Marine Environment Research Centre, an agency of the federal Ministry of Environment and Water. They have detected no toxicity, and marine life appears to be unaffected, researchers have reported.

Dr Ibrahim al Jamali, the director of the centre, said the algae, cochlodinium polykrikoides, was the same species that appeared in April. "Since [Tuesday], it is coming less than before and usually it lasts around 10 days, but we can never be sure," he said. Red tide is a natural occurrence that is believed to be caused in this region by the upwelling of deep, nutrient-rich seawater, as a result of south-westerly monsoon winds.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Environment and Water said the algal bloom forms at temperatures ranging from 32C to 34C and at a depth of one to five metres. This year, algal blooms plagued several ports including Dibba Al Husn, Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Marbah and Kalba. Yesterday, the harbourmaster at Fujairah's main port said the area was clear of the algae, but port personnel were still being watchful.

East coast hotels such as Le Méridien Al Aqah were on the lookout for red tide, and staff there reported that waters were clear, if rough. For local fishermen, who usually use nets in inshore waters, red tide areas are again off limits. Beach-goers have also been warned to avoid the water until the bloom has cleared. [e-mail]