The color of sea water along the coastal belt from Pasni to Jiwani has turned green due to a Noctiluca bloom, a natural seasonal phenomenon, according to WWF Pakistan.
Technical Adviser WWF Pakistan, Muazzam Khan, said the Noctiluca bloom appears every year between November and February and is part of a natural marine process. He clarified that the phenomenon has no link to pollution.
He explained that Noctiluca, commonly known as “sea sparkle,” can appear in different colours including red, orange, green or sometimes colourless. He added that the bloom is not toxic and no fish deaths have been reported in the affected areas.
Muazzam Khan further said that at night, Noctiluca produces a blue glow in the sea, a natural bioluminescent effect. He noted that after the bloom subsides, a temporary odour may be felt along the coast, which is also part of the natural process.
Marine experts say such blooms are regularly observed along Pakistan’s coastline and generally do not pose a threat to marine life or human health unless accompanied by harmful algal toxins, which are not present in the case of Noctiluca.
