INCOIS identifies 9 algae hotspots in India

Why in the NEWS?

• The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has identified nine major hotspots of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) along the eastern and western coasts of India.

Key Points:

• The study was conducted under the leadership of INCOIS Director T.M. Balakrishnan Nair.
• Algal bloom is a natural phenomenon in which the number of phytoplankton (such as diatoms and cyanobacteria) suddenly increases.
• This phenomenon can be harmful to marine ecosystems, fisheries and human activities.

What will you read next in this topic?

1. Algal bloom hotspots:
2. Causes of Algal Blooms
3. Effects of Algal Blooms:
4. Key highlights of the study:
5. Role of INCOIS:

Algal bloom hotspots:

East Coast:

• Gujarat Coast: Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kutch areas.
• Maharashtra Coast: Mumbai and its surrounding coastal areas.
• Goa Coast: Goa beaches and estuaries.
• Karnataka Coast: Mangaluru and its surrounding coastal areas.
• Kerala Coast: Kochi and other coastal areas.

West Coast:

• Tamil Nadu Coast: Chennai and its surrounding coastal areas.
• Andhra Pradesh Coast: Visakhapatnam and Kakinada areas.
• Odisha Coast: Puri and Gopalpur coastal areas.
• West Bengal Coast: Sunderbans and other coastal areas.

Causes of Algal Blooms

Nutrient overload:

• The most prominent cause of algae blooms is the excess of nutrients such as nitrate and phosphate in seawater.
• These nutrients are mainly derived from agricultural and industrial activities. 
• When these elements reach the sea through rivers, ideal conditions are created for the growth of algae.
• These elements act as food material for algae, which leads to their rapid growth and excessive deposition of algae on the sea surface.

Coastal upwelling:

• Coastal upwelling is the process in which the deep and cold water of the sea rises.
• These waters are rich in nutrients and when they reach the sea surface, a rich environment is created for algae.
• This process leads to very fast growth of algae, which increases the incidence of algae blooms.

Monsoon effect:

• Heavy rainfall occurs during monsoon, which carries nutrients from the land to the sea through rivers. 
• These nutrients create ideal conditions for algae growth in the ocean.
• This flow is maximum during monsoon season, creating a suitable environment for algae blooms and increasing algae growth.

Climate Change:

• Climate change is causing sea temperatures to rise.
• Higher temperatures create ideal conditions for algae, as algae grow faster in warmer water.
• This results in increased incidence of algae blooms, which affect the ocean ecosystem.

Effects of Algal Blooms:

Effects on ecosystem:

• Algal blooms lead to depletion of oxygen in seawater, threatening marine life.
• Some algae produce toxins, which are harmful to aquatic life.

Effects on fisheries:

• Algal blooms can lead to the death of fish and other marine organisms, harming the fishing industry.

Effects on human activities:

• Activities such as ecosystem and tourism are harmed.
• Some algae produce toxins, which can be harmful to human health.

Key highlights of the study:

• The researchers have for the first time defined region-specific phytoplankton biomass thresholds for algal blooms.
• The study used satellite data and field reports.
• Region-specific bio-optical algorithms and advanced satellite remote sensing techniques were used.
• Algal blooms on the east coast occur during the onset of the southwest and northeast monsoons.
• On the west coast, the phenomenon is more prevalent after the southwest monsoon.

Role of INCOIS:

Role of INCOIS in Management of Algal Blooms

• Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) plays a vital role in the management and monitoring of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). 
• Algal blooms are a natural phenomenon that can be harmful to marine ecosystems, fisheries and human activities. 
• INCOIS has taken several measures to tackle this problem, including monitoring, awareness and research.

Monitoring and Forecasting:

• INCOIS has developed an advanced system for monitoring and forecasting algal blooms. The main elements of this system are as follows:
• Use of Satellite Data:
  • INCOIS monitors the concentration of chlorophyll- a in seawater and the activities of phytoplankton using data obtained from satellites. 
  • Chlorophyll- a is the major pigment found in algae, which indicates algal blooms.
• Region-specific thresholds:
  • INCOIS has defined region-specific phytoplankton biomass thresholds for the eastern and western coasts of India. 
  • Using these thresholds, algal blooms are classified into four categories:
  • 'Possibility of bloom'
  • 'Bloom'
  • 'Intense bloom'
  • 'Extreme bloom'
• Forecasting system:
  • INCOIS has developed a system for forecasting algal blooms, which takes into account factors such as sea temperature, nutrient availability and monsoon impact. 
  • This system helps in providing timely warnings to the fishing industry and local communities.

Awareness and management:

• INCOIS has taken several initiatives to spread awareness about the impacts of algal blooms and its management:
• Educating local communities:
  • INCOIS has sensitized local communities, fishing industry and government agencies about the impacts of algal blooms. 
  • For this, workshops, seminars and training programmes are organised.
• Sustainable Management of Marine Resources:
  • INCOIS has taken steps towards sustainable management of marine resources to reduce the effects of algal blooms. 
  • This includes measures to prevent activities such as fisheries and tourism from getting affected.
• Warning System:
  • INCOIS has developed a warning system that informs local communities and the fishing industry when there is a possibility of an algal bloom. 
  • This enables people to take protective measures in time.

Research and Development:

• INCOIS has carried out extensive research on the causes and effects of algal blooms. Its main aspects are as follows:
• Identification of Causes:
  • INCOIS has identified the factors responsible for algal blooms, such as excess nutrients, coastal upwelling and climate change.
• Study of Impacts:
  • INCOIS has studied the ecological, economic and social impacts of algal blooms. 
  • This has helped in understanding how algal blooms affect marine ecosystems and human activities.
• Development of advanced technologies:
  • INCOIS has developed advanced technologies, such as region-specific bio-optical algorithms and satellite remote sensing, for monitoring and forecasting algal blooms.