The coastal waters of Gwadar have recently drawn attention due to the unusual green colour of the sea, caused by a seasonal marine phenomenon, yet marine life in the area remains abundant. Pods of bottlenose dolphins were recently observed in the western bay of the port city, highlighting the region’s thriving ecosystem.
WWF-Pakistan issued a statement explaining that the green discolouration is due to a winter marine event called the Noctiluca bloom. This phenomenon has affected Pakistan’s entire coastline, from Karachi to Jiwani, and has even extended into Iran’s coastal waters. The bloom turns seawater a deep green, especially around Gwadar, creating a visually striking effect without disrupting marine life.
Local fishermen have reported that shrimp catches along Balochistan’s coast remain plentiful and larger in size, reflecting stable marine conditions. Ameer Dad Khan, a fisherman, said the recent catch has been abundant, confirming the sea’s productivity has not declined despite its unusual appearance.
Balochistan Director Marine Fisheries, Ahmed Nadeem, confirmed the presence of a large number of dolphins in Gwadar’s western bay. WWF technical adviser Muhammad Moazzam Khan noted that these colour-changing events are typically non-toxic and can even enhance marine productivity. He explained that Noctiluca blooms only cause harm in extreme cases and that the condition, locally called “badd aab” in Balochi, occurs periodically in the Arabian Sea, more frequently during winter months.
Moazzam Khan emphasized that fishing activities continue uninterrupted and that the sighting of bottlenose dolphins is a positive indication of healthy biodiversity. The continued presence of marine species confirms that the green sea phenomenon has not negatively affected Gwadar’s coastal ecosystem.
Overall, while the seasonal Noctiluca bloom alters the sea’s colour, Gwadar’s waters remain rich in marine life, supporting both biodiversity and local fisheries.
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