Potentially harmful micro-algae found off Malta ’s coast

The tiny plants vary from micrometres to millimentres in size, and are known to have harmful effects on both marine life and humans.

In other parts of the world, similar blooms have also had serious consequences for tourism.

Though the cause of their sudden appearance in Maltese waters has not yet been established, the species of algae in question is commonly associated with marine pollution.

Dr Adriana Vella, of the University of Malta ’s Conservation Biology Research Group (CBRG), is currently looking into the phenomenon with a view to determining both cause and possible effects in the local context.

“Our ongoing marine surveys have in fact detected blooms of microalgae of the Phaeocystis species, in particular P. globosa mucilaginous colonies,” she told MaltaToday.

“Though this micro-algae produce colonies as a defence mechanism in the presence of grazers (its predators), the formation of blooms are also considered an indication of ‘ eutrophication’, or presence of high concentrations of nitrates and ammonia, in the sea.”

Both nitrates and ammonia are commonly associated with industrial and agricultural marine pollution.

Meanwhile, the local bloom of colonial microalgae is being monitored as part of ongoing marine conservation research in collaboration with various other scientists.

“With biodiversity and our marine life’s safeguard in mind, it becomes obvious how conservation field research and conservation genetics are well worth investing in to improve our local environmental assessment methods and management,” Vella said.

“The CBRG at the University of Malta has invested time and funds to develop the experience required to further enhance this necessary expertise towards novel ways of   addressing research needs for conservation.”

The Conservation Biology Research Group (CBRG) at the Department of Biology, University of Malta , has been addressing various gaps of knowledge linked to local wild species assessments. Examples range from bluefin tuna stocks, dolphins, whales, sharks and turtles to crabs, octopi, fish, echinoderms, and jellyfish, amongst others.