Researcher Afef Fathalli Deciphers the Red Tide Phenomenon in Monastir
On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, researcher Afef Fathalli from the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies spoke on Jawhara FM to provide insights into the red tide phenomenon observed mainly in several areas of the Monastir governorate.
As a guest on the program Sbeh El Ward, Ms. Fathalli first explained that this phenomenon is caused by a massive proliferation of a type of marine microalgae. Regarding the red tide, she clarified that the reproduction of these algae causes a change in the water’s color, a coloration due to the components of these algae. According to her, these algae are naturally present in the sea, but under certain conditions, they cause this change in color.
Ms. Fathalli then discussed the conditions and factors that have favored the emergence of this phenomenon. She identified the rise in water temperature compared to normal averages as the main factor.
Regarding the role of pollution in the spread of this phenomenon, she explained that she could not confirm such a link. “Before the phenomenon appeared, the water temperature had risen by 2.8 degrees compared to usual averages, reaching 31 degrees,” she added.
Finally, the researcher explained that these algae consume the oxygen present in the water, leading to the death of fish, which, according to analyses, died from asphyxiation.
Ms. Fathalli also recommended avoiding swimming in the affected areas despite the gradual improvement in the situation. “We have reached a concentration of 45 million cells per liter of water,” she concluded.
Source: businessnews
