Latest news with #Karlodiniumballantinum
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Science
- Kuwait Times
KISR study identifies fish kill-causing microalgae in Kuwait for first time
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) said on Thursday it has, for the first time, identified toxic microalgae species responsible for red tide events and mass fish deaths in Kuwaiti waters. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Botanica Marina, settle a long-standing scientific debate by confirming the presence of three harmful species: Karenia papilionacea, Karenia selliformis, and Karlodinium ballantinum, lead author Dr. Manal Al-Kandari told state news agency KUNA. Al-Kandari said the study conclusively confirmed the existence of K. selliformis, which caused a major fish kill in Kuwait in 1999, and K. papilionacea, both of which had been debated in earlier research. She noted that K. ballantinum was recorded for the first time not only in Kuwait but in the entire Arabian Gulf region. Describing the discovery as a 'strategic scientific achievement,' Al-Kandari said the findings will support the development of early warning systems to mitigate future outbreaks, safeguard marine biodiversity, and strengthen food security. The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and led to the creation of a preserved reference collection of living microalgae strains—a resource she said will benefit future national and regional marine research. Al-Kandari also acknowledged the continued support of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), calling for further investment in marine environmental studies.—KUNA
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Science
- Arab Times
What scientists found in Kuwaiti waters is a game-changer for marine life
KUWAIT CITY, July 24: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has announced a groundbreaking achievement in marine science, successfully identifying the genetic profiles of three toxic microalgae species responsible for red tide events and mass fish deaths in Kuwaiti waters. Published in the scientific journal Botanica Marina, the study is the first of its kind in Kuwait and puts an end to years of scientific uncertainty surrounding the cause of harmful algal blooms in the region. The research identified Karenia papilionacea, Karenia selliformis, and Karlodinium ballantinum using advanced high-resolution microscopy and genetic analysis of large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) from live strains collected between 2014 and 2021. Dr. Manal Al-Kandari, lead researcher at KISR's Environmental and Life Sciences Research Center, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the study confirmed the presence of K. papilionacea, with seven strains showing a 99 percent genetic similarity. It also reaffirmed K. selliformis as the species linked to the 1999 fish kill, one of the most significant environmental incidents in Kuwait's marine history. Notably, the study also recorded the presence of Karlodinium ballantinum for the first time in both Kuwaiti waters and the wider Arabian Gulf—marking a major scientific milestone for the country. In collaboration with the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, the KISR team successfully isolated and analyzed ten strains of these harmful algae. The resulting data has established a foundational scientific database to enhance Kuwait's capacity to monitor and manage toxic algal blooms. 'These findings will support the development of early warning systems, help protect marine ecosystems and fisheries, and bolster national food security,' Dr. Al-Kandari said. She also highlighted the creation of a reference collection of live strains now preserved at KISR as a valuable national and regional resource for future research. Dr. Al-Kandari praised the continued backing of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences for its support of marine research initiatives. She emphasized the need to sustain such scientific efforts to safeguard the health and sustainability of Kuwait's marine environment.
