Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University have identified environmental processes influencing Algal Blooms along Oman’s northern coastline. Their findings could help authorities protect desalination facilities, fisheries, aquaculture operations and other marine activities from harmful ecological disruptions.
The project examined how these blooms develop, change and travel through coastal waters. Researchers also investigated the environmental conditions that encourage their growth and influence their movement. The Research and Innovation Authority funded the work through its Strategic Research Programme, alongside the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
Professor Sergey Dobretsov led the project through the university’s College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences and Centre of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology. The research combined biological sampling with oceanographic technology, including underwater gliders. These tools helped scientists observe water conditions, marine circulation and changes within coastal ecosystems.
The team found that several interacting processes influence bloom development in the Sea of Oman. These include seasonal monsoon winds, ocean currents, coastal upwelling and water flowing from the Arabian Gulf. Additionally, internal tides and ocean eddies affect how nutrients circulate and how marine organisms spread.
Seasonal changes in water mixing and the thermocline also influenced nutrient availability and phytoplankton growth. The thermocline separates warmer surface waters from colder depths, creating different conditions for marine life. Consequently, changes in this layer can affect the distribution and abundance of microscopic organisms.
Researchers also recorded shifts in phytoplankton communities during the study period. Diatoms dominated the observed communities during 2018 and 2019, while Noctiluca scintillans emerged as a significant bloom-forming species. Scientists detected the organism in both surface waters and deeper marine layers.
The project further examined the oxygen minimum zone, where seawater contains particularly low concentrations of dissolved oxygen. Researchers found that nutrient-rich water rising from deeper layers, combined with low oxygen conditions, may encourage bloom formation. Meanwhile, oxygen-rich water entering from the Arabian Gulf can change the depth and characteristics of this zone.
Scientists also studied bacteria associated with the blooms and found Bacillus species among the most frequently isolated groups. Moreover, bacterial communities differed noticeably between periods with blooms and those without them. The team identified a possible relationship between Noctiluca scintillans abundance and bacterial diversity, although further research remains necessary to clarify these interactions.
The researchers also detected potentially disease-causing bacterial strains, highlighting the importance of continued marine monitoring. These findings suggest that scientists should investigate interactions between harmful organisms and marine microbes more closely. Better understanding could support environmental protection and improve assessments of potential risks to marine activities.
Professor Dobretsov recommended that desalination plants strengthen real-time monitoring around their seawater intake points. Key indicators should include chlorophyll-a, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and the presence of harmful algal species. Together, these measurements could help operators identify changing water conditions earlier and respond more quickly.
He also advised facilities to improve pretreatment systems that handle high concentrations of algae and organic material. Such improvements could reduce membrane fouling and associated operating expenses. Furthermore, desalination operators should prepare flexible contingency plans, including lowering intake volumes or temporarily suspending operations during severe events.
For fisheries and aquaculture, the research highlighted the importance of selecting sites carefully. Operators should consider previous bloom records, water circulation, pollution sources and oxygen minimum zones. In addition, regularly measuring temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll could provide useful early warnings.
Aquaculture businesses should also prepare emergency procedures before conditions deteriorate. Recommended measures include adjusting feeding, increasing aeration, improving water exchange and relocating stock when necessary. These steps could help reduce potential losses during periods of poor water quality.
The research team also called for closer cooperation between universities, government agencies and industry. Stronger partnerships could improve forecasting, support better treatment technologies and strengthen responses to future marine events. In particular, coordinated information sharing could help authorities and operators act before conditions threaten essential services.
The project has produced four peer-reviewed scientific publications and supported ten presentations at international conferences. Researchers also organised three workshops covering harmful algal blooms, underwater gliders and oceanography. Professor Dobretsov served as principal investigator, with Dr. Gerd Bruss as co-principal investigator, alongside several other researchers.
Overall, the findings offer practical guidance for monitoring coastal ecosystems and protecting important industries. Continued research and improved detection systems could help Oman respond more effectively to changing marine conditions. The study also underlines the value of understanding how ocean circulation, nutrients and microbial communities interact to influence Algal Blooms.
