KISR says toxic algae responsible for red tides and fish kills

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has successfully concluded a vital scientific study that settles a long-standing debate regarding the identity of harmful microalgae responsible for red tides and fish kills in Kuwaiti waters. Published in the journal Botanica Marina, the study represents a major achievement in marine environmental research.

Dr. Manal Al-Kandari, lead author and researcher at the Environmental and Life Sciences Research Center, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the study is the first in Kuwait to identify the species Karenia papilionacea, Karenia selliformis, and Karlodinium ballantinum using high-resolution microscopy and genetic analysis (LSU rDNA) of live samples collected from 2014 to 2021, reports Al-Rai daily.

Dr. Al-Kandari confirmed that seven strains of K. papilionacea matched with a 99% genetic similarity, while K. selliformis was identified as the cause of the devastating 1999 fish kill. Significantly, Karlodinium ballantinum was recorded for the first time in Kuwaiti and Arabian Gulf waters — a strategic discovery in regional marine science.

The study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, isolated and analyzed ten strains of toxic algae, contributing to a robust scientific database. This database will play a vital role in developing early warning systems, safeguarding marine life, and ensuring food security.

Additionally, the team has established a reference collection of live algae species at KISR, providing an essential resource for future research into algal toxins and their ecological impact.

Dr. Al-Kandari expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), emphasizing the need for sustained marine research to protect the nation’s environmental and economic interests.