Kuwait city: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) announced a breakthrough scientific study that successfully identified toxic microalgae responsible for the red tide phenomenon and fish kills in Kuwaiti waters for the first time.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the study, published in the scientific journal Botanica Marina, identified three specific species: Karenia papilionacea, Karenia selliformis, and Karlodinium ballantinum, resolving a long-standing scientific debate, as noted by the study's lead author, Dr. Manal Al-Kandari.
Dr. Al-Kandari highlighted that the study confirmed the presence of the controversial species K. papilionacea and K. selliformis, the latter being linked to the significant fish kill event in Kuwait in 1999. She further explained that another major achievement of the study was the first-ever documentation of Karlodinium ballantinum in Kuwaiti waters and the Arabian Gulf, marking a strategic milestone in marine research for the region.
The research was conducted in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Dr. Al-Kandari emphasized that the study's findings will aid in developing more effective early warning systems, protect marine environments and fisheries, and support food security initiatives.
Additionally, the study has led to the creation of a reference collection of preserved living strains, which will serve as a vital national and regional resource for future research on the impacts of these algae. Dr. Al-Kandari expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, underscoring the importance of continued research to safeguard Kuwait's marine environment.