Unraveling the Impacts of Red Tides in the Arabian Gulf

In a recent feature, Prof. Shady Amin, Associate Professor of Biology at NYU Abu Dhabi and head of the Marine Microbiomics Lab, discussed the rising challenge of harmful algal blooms (HABs) — commonly known as red tides — in the Arabian Gulf and beyond.

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These blooms, triggered by excess nutrients and coastal overdevelopment, can devastate ecosystems by depleting oxygen, suffocating marine life, and damaging coral reefs.

They also pose serious risks to humans: toxins from algae accumulate in shellfish, while sea spray can carry aerosols that cause respiratory problems.

 

Notably, a 2008–2009 outbreak in the UAE wiped out thousands of tons of fish and disrupted desalination plants, underscoring the national security dimensions of this issue.

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Prof. Amin emphasizes that “it’s only because of us overdeveloping our coasts and pumping things in the sea water that leads to these harmful red tides.” His team’s research sheds light on how these blooms form and persist, and why sustained monitoring is essential. With the Arabian Gulf’s shallow waters making blooms more resilient, developing predictive tools and mitigation strategies is a regional priority.

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The lab’s work connects microbiology with real-world environmental challenges, from safeguarding desalination — the UAE’s lifeline for drinking water — to understanding how microbial interactions drive bloom dynamics.

 

Prof. Amin’s ongoing research reflects the lab’s mission: advancing marine microbiomics to protect ecosystems and human health in a changing climate.

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