The sudden appearance of a pink tide at Gadani Jetty has alarmed marine scientists, environmentalists, and local communities, after the usually blue waters along the Balochistan coast turned an unusual shade of pink.
Along with the colour change, dead fish were spotted and a foul odour spread through the area.
Following directives from President Vice Admiral Ahmed Saeed (Retd), marine experts from the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) conducted an on-site investigation.
Their findings revealed that the phenomenon known as a “pink tide” was triggered by blooms of salt-loving organisms such as bacteria and algae thriving in overheated, stagnant waters.
Laboratory tests identified significant environmental stressors.
The recorded water temperature was 36.5°C, well above the normal coastal average, while salinity reached 48 PPT compared to the standard 35 PPT.
Turbidity levels stood at 47 NTU, exceeding the normal range of 1–5 NTU, and nutrient concentrations were unusually high with ammonium at 2.256 mg/L and phosphate at 5.739 mg/L.
The pH measured slightly acidic at 6.94.
The total dissolved solids (TDS) were recorded at 47,886 mg/L, and conductivity levels were extremely high at 96,032 µS/cm³.
Experts linked these extreme conditions to the jetty’s flawed design, which has disrupted natural water circulation and created brackish conditions ideal for microbial blooms.
The Gadani Jetty pink tide is reported to be Pakistan’s third incident of this kind, following similar events near Karachi in 2017 and Makran in 2021.
NIMA has given an alert to make direct contact with the water or consume seafood from the affected area due to possible health risks, such as skin irritation and toxin exposure.
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NIMA has called on the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency (BEPA) to quickly put safety measures in place and redesign the jetty to allow better water flow.
The president of NIMA pointed out that protecting coastal communities and marine life should be a top priority for the country.
The Gadani Jetty pink tide serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of poor infrastructure and environmental neglect.
Without swift intervention, experts warn the jetty could become a cautionary tale of ecological collapse.
