‘Red' tide phenomenon due to algal blooms: Cusat team
The event is marked by reddish discolouration of surface waters, a result of massive blooms of the red variant of dinoflagellate microalga Noctiluca scintillans, locally called Pooneer, Polavellam or Karavellam, according to Lathika Cicily Thomas, assistant professor, department of marine biology, microbiology and biochemistry. "Though they are harmful at present, there is no cause for concern," she said.
Her team of researchers confirmed the bloom after studying it at Chavakkad Beach in Thrissur and several beaches in Kozhikode. They found that the bloom progressively spread southwards, influenced by prevailing surface currents, and notably impacted shorelines of Edakkazhiyur and Puthenkadapuram. They have been studying climatic influences on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the state under the project. "It can be seen in open waters like Cochin estuary but not in the backwaters as these are largely associated with high tides," said Thomas.
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The reddish hue is most pronounced in shallow intertidal zones, accompanied by spectacular bioluminescence that produces blue-green flashes in surf zone at night. Noctiluca scintillans occurs in two forms — a green variant with photosynthetic endosymbionts producing 'green' tides and a red heterotrophic form responsible for 'red' tides, feeding primarily on diatoms. Kerala's coastal waters have historically experienced both variants, often during monsoon season.
Cusat teams have conducted long-term studies on HABs for over two decades, documenting their ecological impacts, including oxygen depletion and mortalities of fish and invertebrates. They examined the species' life cycle, feeding ecology, associations with jellyfish blooms and effects on coastal food webs. Due to their large size and dense aggregations, N scintillans can rapidly deplete oxygen from water column during bloom events.
While experts have warned that climate change, rising sea surface temperatures and aquatic pollution may be increasing the frequency and persistence of such blooms along Kerala coast, at present, there is no cause for concern as there is no fish or invertebrate mortality. However, recurrent blooms may definitely alter water quality and result in ecological consequences, and the team is monitoring the current event to assess its ecological consequences.
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