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AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING IN THE SEA OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Strategic Goal: Sustainability of Ecosystems Thematic Area: Phytoplankton/Red Tide Management Program Geographic Scope: Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the United Arab Emirates in the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman Timeline: 2011 – On Going Purpose: Regular and systematic phytoplankton monitoring in the UAE coastal waters and providing quick response to Red Tide/HABs and mortality issues Project : Ministry of and Environment (MOCCAE)

Project Brief

The marine coastal environment is of great importance to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as most of its cities are located on the coastal areas. The UAE faced a major threat of red tide during 2009 – 2008; that caused death of fish, affected fishing and tourism industries, and forced desalination plants to cease operation. Studies during this period indicated that the UAE coastal waters are inhabited by several algal species capable of blooming and producing toxin . Lack of policies and expertise within the

UAE government for managing red tide outbreaks led to spread the red tide during Figure 1.1 that period. images showing temperature and chlorophyll Moreover, there was no effective communication and coordination within the distribution indicating biological activity on 30 march 2015. concerned government agencies in the UAE and other regional organizations. Images by: Regional Organization for the Protection( Consequently, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCaE) )of the Marine Environment established a Red Tide Monitoring and Management Program in 2011.

Activities and Outcome

• Field visits and sample collections based on first-hand information about fish death Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 or marine discolorations or satellite images from the Regional Organization for Protection of the Marine Environment ( ROPME). • Regular sampling and analysis (qualitative and quantitative) of phytoplankton, record characteristics (temperature, salinity, pH, DO, , etc.) and analysis of marine nutrients (like ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate) Images of Noctiluca scintillans (Kofoid & Swezy) and total . as seen on the waters (Figure 2.1) • A database of periodic and emergency monitoring results covering water parameters and under the microscope (Figure 2.2). • Dissemination of information and implement regulatory action plans and mitigation )Photo images by: Marine Environment Research Department( measures if necessary.

Future Directions

Develop a conceptual model of the Harmful (HAB) that can be a basis to assess the different algal bloom scenarios that may occur in the seawaters of the United Arab Emirates. An accurate flow of information and data involving UAE government agencies, regional organizations, countries and international experts will be established. This will increase the capabilities of the UAE and the Gulf region to deal with HAB crisis and to protect the threatened resources and fisheries.