Global Warming

Increasing global warming leading to fish mortalities in Arabian Sea

In what is set to aggravate concerns over climate change, a new joint Indo-US study has found that global warming is leading to large-scale fish kills in the Arabian Sea by fuelling the growth of harmful bioluminescent algae.

The striking green algae, Noctiluca scintillans, which is behind the scintillating phenomenon observed in oceans when they glow fluorescent blue at night, are indicators of fish mortality. Scientists highlight that their growing abundance is a cause of concern, because they adversely affect fish, which do not thrive in such waters.

Less dense water comes to the surface because of the warming of oceans, encouraging these intense blooms, which has an adverse impact on fisheries. Currently, the western coast, Persian Gulf, and Oman are largely affected, but if it keeps on increasing, it will have drastic effects on fisheries along the Indian coast.