Red Tide in Kuwait: What Does It Mean?

Every so often the water along Kuwait's coast turns red or dark brown, and the same questions come up: is it dangerous, and what causes it? Red tide is a natural and well-known phenomenon. Understanding it helps you act sensibly instead of relying on rumours.

What is red tide?

Red tide is a sudden bloom of certain microscopic marine algae that multiply in huge numbers and change the colour of the water. Despite the name, it is not always red. It can look brown, green or orange, and sometimes the water stays clear even though the algae are there.

Warm water, steady winds and extra nutrients in the sea all make a bloom more likely, which is why it tends to appear during warmer periods.

Why fishermen worry about it

When the algae die off, they consume oxygen from the water, which can kill fish in large numbers, especially in shallow and enclosed areas. Some species are toxic and build up in shellfish such as clams and mussels, making them unsafe to eat.

Swimming in water with a heavy bloom can also irritate skin and eyes, and affect breathing for some people.

What to do when it appears

The main rule: don't take risks for a catch or a meal. Act calmly and follow clear steps.

• Don't eat shellfish or molluscs collected from the affected area.
• Don't swim or fish with nets in affected water.
• Don't collect dead or floating fish, and don't eat them.
• Keep pets and animals away from the water in the affected spot.
• If you develop irritation or breathing trouble, get away from the water and see a doctor.

Healthy fish caught well away from a bloom are usually safe if cooked properly. Shellfish are a different story, because the toxin concentrates in them and cooking does not remove it.

Check sea conditions before you go out

The most important step is knowing the state of the sea before you move your boat. Water colour, wind and wave conditions give you a first read on the situation. If you see a strange colour or an unusual smell, stay out, and report it to the relevant authorities.

Keep an eye on the tide too, because still water at low tide makes it easier for algae to build up. The B7R app gives you sea conditions and tide times for Shuwaikh and Shuaiba, plus a fish guide and seasons, so you plan your day on information rather than guesswork.

Log what you notice in the catch log, because regular notes help you spot when this phenomenon repeats in your area.

In short: red tide is natural, but it needs caution. Don't eat shellfish from an affected area, don't swim in it, and check sea conditions before every trip.

A good day on the water starts with good information, and the B7R app keeps sea conditions, seasons and the SOS button with you. Download it free on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.q8dm.b7r