Colour of sea in Kozhikode turned from blue to red in seconds, reason finally discovered

KOZHIKODE: Reports said excessive presence of a special type of algae is behind the water turning red in Thikkodi sea. A study conducted by the scientists of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), it was found that the excessive presence of Gymnodinium algae belonging to the dinoflagellate group is the cause of the change in the color of the sea water. Dr P Minu, a post-doctoral researcher at KUFOS, conducted a study in the sea after the fishermen reported that the color of the sea water is turning red.

The study was supported by the State Science, Technology and Environment Council. KUFOS Aquatic Environment Management department teacher Dr M P Prabhakaran led the study. KUFOS Payyannur regional center researcher Dr C V Asha provided necessary help for the studies.

Dr P Minu said that the last time the water changed color in Thikkodi sea was a week ago. On November 30, the color of the water turned brown. Dr M P Prabhakaran said the water had turned green in December 2021 and on that day, the fishes had died in large numbers. Noctiluca, a poisonous alga, was responsible for the color change that day.

Gymnodinium, the algae responsible for the current discoloration, is also toxic. A toxin called brevitoxin, produced by the Gymnodinium alga, is stored in the shells of clams, clams and mussels and can reach humans through them. Although not serious, it can cause various types of stomach ailments.

Dr P Minu said that more studies are needed to know why the presence of algae is high in Thikkodi sea. Dr P Minu has been studying the presence of algae in the Arabian Sea for the past 15 years.