10 April 2014
UNESCO-IOC Forecasting Harmful Algal Blooms
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The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC) is working to forecast the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), toxic species often described as red tides.

HABs threaten desalination efforts and water security as well as the economy and health of arid nations, according to UNESCO.

UNESCO IOC9 April 2014: The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC) is working to forecast the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), toxic species often described as red tides. HABs threaten desalination efforts and water security as well as the economy and health of arid nations, according to UNESCO.

HABs produce potent neurotoxins that can contaminate drinking water, fish and seafood and harm human and marine health. As HABs’ biomass increases, they can clog filters and compromise reverse osmosis membranes, the most common method of desalination. Over 14,000 desalination plants exist in more than 150 countries, with approximately 50% of these plants are in the West Asia Gulf region.

Limited research and documentation exists on the impacts of toxic blooms on desalination plants and plant operators are often unaware of the threats of HABs, according to UNESCO. Still, UNESCO states that the global scientific community generally agrees the number of toxic blooms and species, the types of resources affected and the resulting economic losses, have all increased.

To address these concerns, UNESCO-IOC is modeling coastal hydrology to forecast algal bloom movement and landfall and using satellite remote sensing technology to detect coastal algal blooms. The IOC is also working to build capacity and international research cooperation on desalination and HABs.

To raise awareness on HABs and facilitate dialogues among engineers, managers and scientists, UNESCO-IOC’s Intergovernmental Panel on Harmful Algal Blooms (IPHAB) and the Middle East Desalination Research Center are organizing a conference on desalination and toxic blooms from 16-17 April in Muscat, Oman. [UNESCO Press Release] [UNESCO-IOC HAB Programme] [Conference Website]

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