Have you ever witnessed the sea glowing pink? Here near Planctons in Penang, that is sometimes the reality.
Planctons, or more specifically Noctiluca scintillans, are the reason behind this striking phenomenon. These tiny organisms create what is known as a pink tide. It is a non-toxic algal bloom.
The pink tide in Penang is not just a visual spectacle. It is linked to environmental conditions. The phenomenon usually occurs after a period of hot weather. Then, substantial rainfall follows. This rainfall sends nutrients flowing into the sea. Algae and plankton thrive on these nutrients, which leads to a bloom.
The seawater in Penang turns pink because of these blooms. The deputy director of the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies spotted the pink tide in Teluk Bahang. She noticed it while walking at the National Park. The streaks of pink algae were large and close to the shore.
These algal blooms contain high levels of ammonia. Fish do not like this. They try to swim away from it. Locals have even seen fish swimming all the way up to the beach to escape the algae.
Despite the disruption to marine life, the pink tide is not harmful to humans. Fish caught around Penang are still safe to eat. The pink tide usually disappears within a day or two.
Scientists have been studying these blooms. A study in Sungai Udang, Penang examined phytoplankton composition. They found diatoms dominated the phytoplankton. They also found potentially harmful toxic phytoplankton. These included Alexandrium, Prorocentrum micans, Dinophysis caudata and Pseudo-nitzchia. But, they were in low cell density.
The Pinang River also faces issues with phytoplankton. Studies found a strong correlation between ammonium-nitrogen concentration and phytoplankton abundance. This indicates ammonia’s importance to phytoplankton growth.
Harmful algal blooms can pose risks to aquaculture. Some can potentially trigger mass mortality of cultured fish. These include Akashiwo sanguinea, Chaetoceros, Ceratium furca, Ceratium fusus, Margalefidinium and Karlodinium. A monitoring program is important. It can provide early warning of harmful algae blooms and safeguard aquaculture.
So, while the pink tides near Planctons in Penang are a sight to behold, they also serve as a reminder of the delicate balance within our marine ecosystems. Keep an eye out for this natural wonder. But also remember the importance of monitoring and protecting our waters.