In Abu Dhabi, the beach of Saadiyat Island was closed for swimming due to the spread of harmful algae in seawater.
Saadiyat Beach was closed for swimming after harmful algae were found around the island.
Last weekend, on the beach, one could observe a red tide arising from the bloom of algae of the dinoflagellate species.
“Dinoflagellates” contain pigments whose color can change from brown to red during the day, and they can also glow at night, as, for example, in California last week, when luminous red waves broke on the coast of San Diego.
There are thousands of species of dinoflagellates, and several dozen of them can be extremely toxic to humans and marine life. In 2008 and 2009, the “red tide” caused serious harm to marine life in the UAE, causing damage to corals and destroying a huge amount of fish near the Dibba Rock. Only now the shark population in the bay has begun to recover.
A spokesman for Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas said the Department of Tourism Development ordered that the beach area be temporarily closed until the red waves cease.
He said that environmental officials from Abu Dhabi took water samples on the beach of Saadiyat Island over the weekend. Studies will be carried out to establish the exact type of algae, but it is now clear that these algae are more likely to be an irritant than a toxicant.
On Sunday, people living on the island of Saadiyat were notified - a special letter was sent to them informing that the beach is closed for swimming.
"The Environmental Protection Agency found that these red algae are not toxic, but nevertheless can cause skin allergies. Currently, authorized organizations conduct a series of tests. We urge everyone to strictly follow the authorities' recommendations and refrain from swimming in the sea "We will keep you posted and let you know when swimming is allowed on the beach."
