QUETTA: Residents and fishermen along the Balochistan coast from Pasni to Jiwani have witnessed a startling transformation as the sea water has turned a vivid green hue. The dramatic discoloration has been identified by marine experts as a harmless natural event, not pollution.
Technical Advisor for WWF Pakistan, Moazzam Khan, clarified that the green color is caused by a Noctiluca scintillans bloom, a common seasonal occurrence. “The Noctiluca bloom appears every year from November to February. It is a natural weather process and has nothing to do with pollution,” Khan stated.
Commonly known as “sea sparkle,” this type of plankton bloom can manifest in various colors, including red-orange, green, or even be colorless. Reassuring the public, Khan emphasized that the phenomenon is non-toxic. “The Noctiluca bloom is not toxic, and no fish deaths have been reported due to it,” he confirmed.
The bloom also creates a mesmerizing natural spectacle after dark. The organisms are bioluminescent, producing a shimmering blue light in the sea when disturbed at night. Khan explained that the bloom and its subsequent dissipation are part of a natural marine cycle and can persist for some time before fading away.
The clarification from WWF Pakistan has alleviated concerns among coastal communities about potential environmental damage or hazards to the fishing industry. The event highlights the dynamic and often visually stunning biological processes occurring in the Arabian Sea, reminding observers of the complex natural systems along Pakistan’s coastline.
Meanwhile the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a significant weather advisory, predicting widespread rain, windstorms, and snowfall across Balochistan from December 29 to January 1, marking a sharp turn in winter conditions for the province.
According to the PMD, a fresh series of westerly winds will enter the country on December 29, affecting multiple regions. In Balochistan, the plains are expected to receive rainfall from Saturday, while substantial snowfall is forecast for the province’s northern and central hilly areas, including Quetta, Ziarat, and Chaman.
