Red tide action plan in pipeline

Experts warn the natural phenomenon could be seen more often in the region, so the UAE is developing a strategy to tackle it.

DUBAI // The UAE is working on a national plan to prevent red tide. "A team of experts, who are part of this plan, suggest that we may see this natural phenomenon more often in the region, which is why we are studying how to tackle it, Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, the Minister for Environment and Water, said yesterday. "Our aim is to safeguard the public and to protect marine environment from the effects of red tide."

Mr bin Fahad said the team would also co-ordinate with government departments to ensure that contaminated seafood was not sold. Authorities have warned people against fishing in affected waters. "We are conducting tests to ensure that the marine life or fishes poisoned by the red tide is not sold in the markets," he said. Mr bin Fahad was speaking at the launch of a Dubai Municipality campaign to protect the marine environment.

The "Mrasena" campaign aims to raise awareness about the preservation of the marine environment, especially among sailors, people working for shipping companies and on oil tankers, fishermen and pupils. [e-mail]