Red tide is spreading around the coasts off the United Arab Emirates in the Persian Gulf, killing off multiple species of corals and reducing fish populations of the region.

The phenomenon known as red tide is actually the result of an algal bloom, an event in which marine or fresh water algae accumulate rapidly in the water.

Red tide seriously threatens marine organisms. The UAE announced the phenomenon is to blame for the death of coral and many tons of fish.

The effect of excessive algae on fish can be lethal. It produces oxygen radicals which can damage fish gills leading to suffocation.

Fall rains and wind are expected to play a helpful role in controlling the dangerous phenomenon by cooling down the weather. However, there are still some small patches of red tide visible and the organisms can rapidly reproduce and spread.

Red tide's threatening effect in the Persian Gulf is not new. Iran's Veterinary Organization reported that red tide has killed 45 tons of fish and marine mammals so far in the Persian Gulf.

NAT/SC/DT