Algal Blooms and Their Impact on Fisheries in the Red Sea

KAUST researchers, led by climate modeler Prof. Ibrahim Hoteit, have examined the connection between the timing of phytoplankton blooms in the Red Sea and subsequent fish catches. The study reveals that fluctuations in the timing of these blooms, which are influenced by rising sea temperatures and events like El Niño, can have significant effects on commercial fisheries. Phytoplankton, the base of the marine food web, plays a critical role in supporting species higher up the food chain, including sardines and squid.

Using satellite images from 1997 to 2018, the team tracked phytoplankton growth by measuring chlorophyll-a concentrations, a proxy for their biomass. Their findings show that prolonged blooms, particularly those occurring between 2002 and 2008, correlated with larger fish catches the following year. Notably, the 2002-2003 bloom lasted 11 weeks longer than usual, leading to an unusually large catch of sardines and squid in the following year.

The study underscores the potential of satellite-derived phytoplankton data as an early warning system for fisheries. By analyzing changes in the timing and duration of blooms, policymakers in Red Sea nations could better manage fishing yields and marine ecosystems.

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