The Changing Colours of the Arabian Gulf: A Grim Ecological Warning

The shifting colours of the Arabian Gulf are more than a visual spectacle — they are warning signals of profound ecological change. Ocean colour reflects the delicate balance between sunlight, plankton, sediments, and nutrients, yet rising sea surface temperatures are disrupting this equilibrium. The unusual phytoplankton blooms are transforming the Gulf into a hotspot of environmental stress, intensifying concerns for marine ecosystems and coastal communities. The Arabian Sea hosts one of the world’s largest oxygen minimum zones, spanning nearly 3.9 million km², underscoring the vulnerability of the region to further decline. This article explores the drivers behind these changes in … Continue reading

Algae vs. Oil Spills and Climate Change: An Opportunity for Middle Eastern Seas

Oil spills, marine pollution, and climate change have become global challenges, particularly acute in oil-producing regions. The Persian Gulf and coastal waters of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE are areas with heavy concentrations of petroleum infrastructure, where any incident could trigger an environmental disaster. Nature itself may hold the solution: marine algae can cleanse water of petroleum products and absorb carbon dioxide on a massive scale. This has been demonstrated by scientists in various parts of the world’s oceans. Seas under threat The Persian Gulf serves as the heart of the global oil economy. Dozens of oil platforms, … Continue reading