GEORGE TOWN: The Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) has confirmed that the red and brownish patch found near the shoreline of Tanjung Bungah several days ago is not harmful.
Its director Professor Datuk Dr Aileen Tan said her team had collected samples from the sea, and checks confirmed that it on contains phytoplanktons.
"Microscopic observation from the samples taken is mostly pennate diatoms (algae)... no harmful species were found.
"The dissolved oxygen (DO) level was at 7 miligrams per litre, so we suspect high plankton density. The high nutrients level will trigger the bloom," she told the New Straits Times today.
Recently, Penang Forum member Khoo Salma Nasution revealed video footage and photos of the sea at Teluk Kumbar, where a rusty reddish-coloured layer was clearly visible.
A fisherman had lodged a police report after he discovered a red-coloured layer on the surface of the water.
He believed it was related to environmental pollution which could affect the livelihood of fishermen.
When pressed further, Tan brushed aside the suggestion.
"We checked the waters and confirmed the red patch is phytoplankton.
"We had to test our samples a few times to ensure our data is valid to explain the possible cause of massive mortality in marine organisms," she added.
Talks about sea pollution surfaced again in the state when an estimated 50,000 fish were found dead in Teluk Bahang earlier this month.
Lack of oxygen, coupled with Typhoon Lekima which stirred the toxins at the seabed, were likely to have caused the depletion of oxygen in the area, and caused the fish to suffocate.