Seawater in Penang has once again turned pink, according to Dr Annette Jaya Ram, deputy director of the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (Cemacs). She spotted the pink tide in Teluk Bahang on Sunday while walking at the National Park. Dr Annette explained that the pink algae blooms occur off and on, depending on the weather. When it rains, nutrients enter the sea, providing an environment for algae or plankton to thrive and cause a bloom.
This is not the first time that the sea around Penang has experienced the phenomenon. In April of this year, The Star reported thick streaks of pink algae blooms. Scientists identified the algae as Noctiluca scintillans, which is non-toxic but contains ammonia that may repel fish. However, it is not harmful to marine life.
Dr Annette confirmed that the current pink tide is caused by the same pink algae, which has a high ammonia content. Fish tend to avoid this type of algae as it is not natural to them. She does not expect the bloom to last long, as it typically appears for only a day or two.
Despite the pink tide, there is no need for concern as it is not harmful to humans. Fish caught around Penang can still be safely consumed.
The pink algae blooms typically occur after prolonged hot weather, followed by sudden substantial rainfall that introduces nutrients into the sea.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
