In line with the National Plan for Red Tide Management that ensures an immediate response in such events, the Ministry is coordinating satellite monitoring of the marine environment in cooperation with the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment. Satellite images have shown that the biological activity did not originate locally but from the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

A team of specialists from MOCCAE has been collecting and analyzing water samples from various coastal areas of the Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf to identify the types of phytoplankton present. The results indicate a limited algal bloom in green color that takes the form of unstable patches and consists of a mixture of phytoplankton species with relatively low biomass. The Ministry noted that no harmful phytoplankton that causes the death of fish and other marine organisms has been observed.  

The algal bloom is the result of climate change and ensuing rise in seawater temperature. Other causes include the movement of sea currents and seasonal wind activity.  The current transition between two seasons accompanied by changes in water properties is also a contributor.

As certain types of phytoplankton can make marine organisms poisonous to humans, the Ministry urged fishermen and beachgoers to refrain from fishing and collecting shellfish for consumption in the areas of red tide. In addition, people with allergies have been asked to avoid swimming in affected waters.

Locally known as ‘haith al bahar’, red tide is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the marine waters due to the rapid reproduction and accumulation of certain species of single-celled phytoplankton, predominantly dinoflagellates, that form patches along coastal areas. These microscopic algae are capable of autotrophic nutrition – acquiring nourishment from inorganic sources – and form the base of the aquatic food chain.

Contrary to its name, red tide does not always have to be red. Other common colors in the UAE waters include dark green, dark brown, light green, light brown and orange.