KUALA NERUS: The red seaweed along the shores here are not toxic but the public is advised not to touch them as they may cause itching for those with sensitive skin, says Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).
Head of the UMT Reference & Repository Centre, Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Hafiz Borkhanuddin, said the appearance of red seaweed, which belongs to the Ceramiales group, is commonly observed ahead of the Northeast Monsoon transition, when strong winds, coastal currents and powerful waves dislodge the species from the seabed and push it ashore.
“Recently, we have observed a phenomenon of red seaweed washing up along the UMT beach. The seaweed is light red, thread-like with short segments, soft and not easily broken.
“It is not toxic, but it is easily damaged when exposed to freshwater such as rain. The risk to humans relates mainly to physical contact on the beach or in the water, and individuals with sensitive skin may experience itching,” he said in a statement, Bernama reported yesterday.
Muhammad Hafiz said seaweed has a wide global distribution, occurring in both temperate and tropical regions.
He added that similar occurrences of seaweed washing ashore on the UMT coastline were recorded between August and December 2003, as well as in October 2016.
“Seaweed clumps that are not collected will undergo natural degradation. The liquid produced during this process will accumulate beneath the clumps, emitting a foul odour and attracting large numbers of small insects.
“The main risk is the release of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, which can cause dizziness and nausea. Therefore, the public is advised to avoid any activities in areas where red seaweed has washed up.”
However, the phenomenon is not a sign of pollution, but rather a natural process within the coastal ecosystem, where seaweed serves as a temporary habitat for small marine organisms such as amphipods, isopods and coastal insects.
