The beaches were washed red: millions of shrimp died in the sea

An unusual phenomenon was recorded last week on the beaches of Mirbat in the Dofar district of southern Oman, where extremely large quantities of dead red shrimp were washed ashore. The alarming sight raised questions among residents and professionals, went viral on social media, and led to on-site inspections by fisheries and marine environment experts.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources of Oman stated that the initial findings indicate that this is a natural phenomenon, and not pollution. According to estimates, changes in marine conditions are the main cause of the event.

The ministry’s statement explained that small marine creatures such as tiny shrimp and krill are particularly sensitive to changes in the marine environment. Among the possible causes were sudden changes in the temperature of the water at depth, a decrease in the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water and strong currents. Such conditions may harm their ability to survive and push them to areas that are not suitable for living.

A technical team from the Fisheries Research Center in Dhofar toured several coastal sites in Mirbat and collected samples. According to the ministry, the initial tests and analyzes did not reveal any evidence of environmental contamination. In addition, no mortality of other marine species was recorded, which reinforces the assessment that this is a targeted phenomenon among small crustaceans. The ministry emphasized that even relatively small changes in temperature and oxygen levels can cause the death of these creatures and their accumulation in large quantities on the coastline.

It was also noted that this is a phenomenon that has already been observed in the past. Last year, a similar case was recorded on the beaches of Rakhiot in the same district, when a similar species was identified and it was explained that the mortality was caused by natural changes in sea temperature. Such events, according to the ministry, may occur from time to time, especially in seasons where there are extensive changes in sea conditions.

The office called on the public not to consume shrimp found on the beach and to be careful in contact with them. At the same time, it was stated that the follow-up and scientific tests will continue, in order to more accurately understand the circumstances of the incident. Currently, the authorities emphasize, there is no indication of wider ecological damage.