KUWAIT CITY, May 10: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) confirmed on Friday that the annual increase in red tide occurrences and fish deaths along parts of Kuwait’s coastline is linked to rising sea surface temperatures at the start of summer.

Sheikha Al-Ibrahim, Director of the EPA's Public Relations and Media Department, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the authority is closely monitoring both the red tide phenomenon and the fish kills reported this week on several local beaches.

Following the circulation of videos and images on social media, EPA teams were immediately dispatched to investigate the affected sites, which included the beaches of Ushairij, Doha, and Shuwaikh.

Al-Ibrahim said the teams carried out a comprehensive environmental survey that involved on-site measurements and the collection of water samples for laboratory analysis to identify the causes behind the fish deaths.

Preliminary analysis revealed a bloom of a specific type of phytoplankton, which can reduce dissolved oxygen levels in the water and alter the sea’s color, ultimately leading to fish suffocation.

She noted that discoloration of coastal waters — especially near rainwater discharge outlets — is often the result of human activities along the shoreline. These activities degrade water quality and contribute directly or indirectly to the emergence of red tide and subsequent fish kills.

Al-Ibrahim urged citizens, residents, fishermen, and seafarers to promptly report any sightings of fish deaths along Kuwait’s coasts or within its territorial waters to the EPA so appropriate measures can be taken.

She emphasized that the EPA will continue to carry out field surveys in the coming days along Kuwait Bay to monitor environmental conditions and ensure the protection of marine life.