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
