Intensification and spread of algal blooms over two decades in the coasts of India

Over the last two decades years, the Indian coastline has experienced a significant increase in marine microalgal blooms mainly Noctiluca sp. (Dinophyceae) and Trichodesmium sp. (Cyanophyceae). Some of these blooms are non-harmful. However, they can also be harmful leading to profound implications for marine ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Environmental changes, nutrient availability and anthropogenic influences are some of the causes for these blooms while associated syndromes may include neurotoxic shellfish poisoning among others. In a recent study on the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, researchers looked at how different physicochemical parameters affect marine algal blooms including sea surface temperature, salinity and nutrient levels. The review gives insight into various types of algal blooms, what could cause them and their economic and public health implications. Therefore calls for continuous monitoring programmes to reduce negative impacts posed by harmful algal blooms on coastal resources and local economies. Additionally it explores spread or intensification patterns of algal bloom events; economic impact assessment for non-harmful bloom events on Indian fisheries sectors; satellite-based monitoring approaches for characterization phytoplankton bloom events etc., while underlining need for understanding these phenomena towards environmental health protection vis-à-vis sustainable development planning within Indian oceans management contexts.