'Red tide' detected in waters of Northern Oman

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in a statement said that 'red tide' phenomenon have been detected in the waters of North Batinah province. The ministry has requested all fishermen and beach goers to report any case of fish deaths on the helpline number 98088545.

Red tide is a common name for a phenomenon known as an algal bloom (large concentrations of aquatic microorganisms) when it is caused by a few species of dinoflagellates and the bloom takes on a red or brown colour. Red tides are events in which estuarine, marine, or fresh water algae accumulate rapidly in the water column, resulting in coloration of the surface water. It is usually found in coastal areas. These algae, a form of phytoplankton, are single-celled protists, plant-like organisms that can form dense, visible patches near the water's surface.