Comparative Analysis and Predictions of Algal Blooms in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman

Coastal waters of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sultanate of Oman?both are subjected to periodic algal blooms and fish kill incidents resulting in extreme social and economic losses. The algal blooms and bloom-induced oxygen depletions are believed to be the major causes of massive fish kills. Therefore, algal bloom studies are incorporated into the National Action Plans of both countries. In order to understand regional differences in the development of algal blooms in coastal waters of the two countries connected by a coastal current. The present study will be aimed to understand spatial-temporal changes of the plankton community (in terms of species? abundance and diversity) drifting from the UAE region towards the Omani coast, and to estimate physical- chemical and biological interactions mediating algal bloom development along the coast of UAE and Oman. Joint activity of participating institutes (SQU and UAEU) will incorporate: (1) Historical data assembly (2) Field sampling of temperature, salinity, density, oxygen, nutrients, phyto-, and zooplankton of the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, (3) Remote sensing over regions and (4) Modeling of physical-biological interactions. The project deliverables will be presented in the form of: (1) Final report with the project database (2) Two peer-reviewed papers and two conference presentations, (3) Educational materials for five undergraduate and graduate courses, and (4) Public outreach activities (including lectures, newspaper articles, and a website for the public access)Overall, the project extends the experience gained by individual scientists to the level of regionally coordinated studies, which is important because in the National Development Plans of both countries (2016-2020), fishery (affected by algal blooms and oxygen depletions) is targeted as one of prime sectors ensuring economic growth and creating additional jobs. Capacity building and mentoring of young researches is envisaged in the form of two Research Associates and two Master Students?all involved in the project implementation plan.