Sustainability Momentum Sdn Bhd

Photo Credit: The Green Reporter 

In February this year, the harmful algal bloom that happened in Tanjung Kupang, Johor led to mass mortality of commercial fishes in 9 fish farms. In fact, this incident is only one of many, threatening the coastal waters of other states in Malaysia, including Sabah, Kelantan and Penang. Sabah is reported to have the highest incidence of algal bloom in the past few years. Harmful algal blooms (HABs), aka Red Tides, occur when nutrient-rich runoff enters a waterway, triggering a sudden increase in the population of harmful microalgae. Land-based discharges, natural upwelling and seabed dredging are common nutrient sources for microalgae. The frequent occurrence of HABs is expected to push local authorities to step up monitoring of coastal waters.