GADANI – A mysterious Gadani Pink Tide has alarmed marine scientists, environmentalists, and local communities after the waters along the Balochistan coast suddenly turned from blue to pink, accompanied by a foul odor and sightings of dead fish, ARY News reported.
Following directives from President Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed (Retd), marine experts from the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) carried out an on-site investigation. Their findings revealed that the unusual phenomenon — known as a “pink tide” — was triggered by blooms of salt-loving bacteria and algae thriving in overheated, stagnant waters.
Laboratory tests uncovered severe environmental stress factors. Water temperature reached 36.5°C, far above the coastal norm, while salinity soared to 48 PPT compared to the standard 35 PPT. Turbidity levels hit 47 NTU — well beyond the usual range of 1–5 NTU. Excess nutrients were also detected, with ammonium at 2.256 mg/L and phosphate at 5.739 mg/L. The pH level was mildly acidic at 6.94, while total dissolved solids (TDS) reached 47,886 mg/L, and conductivity spiked to 96,032 µS/cm³.
Experts linked these conditions to the flawed design of the jetty, which disrupts natural water circulation and creates brackish conditions ideal for microbial blooms. This is Pakistan’s third recorded pink tide, following similar incidents near Karachi in 2017 and Makran in 2021.
NIMA has issued a public warning, urging people to avoid direct contact with the water or consumption of seafood from the area due to potential health risks, including skin irritation and toxin exposure. The agency has called on the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency (BEPA) to urgently implement safety measures and redesign the jetty to restore proper water flow.
Officials warn that without swift intervention, the Gadani Jetty could face an environmental disaster, threatening marine life and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
