الآثار البيئية والاقتصادية والاجتماعية لظاهرة المد الأحمر على مجتمع الصيادين في ولاية بركاء بسلطنة عمان

Abstract

Red tide is not a recent phenomenon. Rather, it is linked to the development and bloom of plankton and phytoplankton that accompanied ancient geological times and climate changes. Japan is the first country that was able to monitor this phenomenon more than 300 years ago, while its appearance in the countries of the Arabian Peninsula was in 1976 in the Sultanate of Oman. Natural and human factors contribute to the growth of harmful algae, which is the main cause of red tide, especially Dinotlagellates, which represents 78% of the samples analyzed in the Sultanate of Oman. Red tides damage ecosystems and coastal communities. This study mainly aims to highlight the economic, social and environmental impacts of the red tide phenomenon on the fishing community in the Wilayat of Barka in the Sultanate of Oman, and to develop appropriate solutions for fishing communities to mitigate the negative effects of this phenomenon. The study relied in its methodology on a review of previous studies, a field study, and direct interviews with fishermen in Barka State, in addition to questionnaires distributed to 120 fishermen using a random sampling method. One of the most prominent findings of this study is that red tide directly causes air pollution through the spread of unpleasant odors in the region, according to 99% of the sample population. However, what should be noted is that fishermen are completely unaware of the effects of red tide on public health related to the possibility of fish poisoning. As to the economic impacts, 94% of the study population pointed out to cost of cleaning equipment used in the fishing process. The problem was compounded by expatriate workers exploitation of situation by raising the costs of cleaning. Among the most prominent recommendations that came out of the study: conducting further studies and research, raising awareness on negative impacts of red tide and establishing fishermen associations to mitigate the effects of red tide.