Coastal waters in southwestern Oman turned blood-red due to the mass death of small shrimp that washed ashore in shallow areas. A resident of Salalah reported the incident on May 4.
“A large number of dead krill washed up along the coast of Mirbat, giving the impression that the sea had turned red,” said Siyah Mohammed.
According to local authorities, the Mirbat Wildlife and Water Resources Authority and the city’s municipality have initiated beach cleanups to prevent health risks and environmental harm while restoring coastal quality for residents and tourists.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources indicated that initial findings point to natural factors as the cause, not pollution. Small crustaceans—such as juvenile shrimp and krill—are exceptionally sensitive to changes in marine conditions, including sudden temperature fluctuations, decreases in dissolved oxygen levels, and strong currents. Officials noted no other marine species have been affected by the event.
