Recurring odours in Tubli Bay have once again placed the environmentally-sensitive area under the public spotlight, prompting the government to outline wide-ranging measures aimed at restoring water quality and ecological balance.
Officials have insisted the situation is being actively managed and have dismissed claims of a ‘red tide’, assuring residents that no such phenomenon has been detected.
The assurances came in a detailed response to a parliamentary question submitted by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk, with Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Dr Mohammed Bin Daina setting out the causes of the odours and the steps being taken to prevent their recurrence.
“Tubli Bay is one of Bahrain’s environmental sites of national importance,” Dr Bin Daina said. “Over the past decades, it has been subjected to cumulative environmental pressures that have affected water quality and ecological balance. These challenges are being addressed through a comprehensive and integrated environmental approach.”
Responding to public speculation and reports circulated on social media, the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE), which comes under the minister, confirmed that it has not recorded any red tide phenomenon in Tubli Bay in recent years.
Dr Bin Daina explained that changes in water colour are sometimes misunderstood.
“The appearance of red or brown hues in seawater does not necessarily indicate chemical pollution,” he said. “Such changes may be linked to natural algal blooms, which are scientifically-monitored, particularly where they could affect dissolved oxygen levels.”
According to environmental assessments and field observations, odours in Tubli Bay are the result of multiple overlapping factors that vary depending on temperature, tides and wind direction.
These include the accumulation of biodegradable organic matter – such as algae, plant debris and organic sediments – in areas where water movement is weak. During hotter periods, the decomposition of this material releases pungent gases and raises nutrient levels, worsening the smell.
Water stagnation in certain sections of the bay has further reduced the natural dilution of pollutants, a situation compounded by past coastal modifications, roads, bridges and breakwaters that restrict water flow.
“Over time, these changes have limited the bay’s natural ability to cleanse itself,” Dr Bin Daina noted.
Central to the government’s long-term strategy is the fourth expansion of the Tubli Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will double its treatment capacity from about 200,000 cubic metres per day to nearly 400,000 cubic metres.
“The full operation of the fourth expansion will significantly reduce hydraulic and organic pressure on the treatment system,” Dr Bin Daina said.
“It will also improve the quality of treated water and reduce nutrient inflows into the marine environment, directly contributing to the reduction of odours.”
The expansion includes advanced tertiary treatment units, sand filtration systems, ozone and chlorination disinfection, upgraded sludge incineration facilities and additional operational infrastructure.
Alongside wastewater improvements, the government has implemented engineering projects to enhance water circulation within the bay and reduce stagnation.
These include widening and deepening the Ma’ameer Channel to approximately 180 metres and two metres in depth, expanding the Ma’ameer waterway beneath Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Highway, and developing the marine bridge near the Alba area to allow greater water exchange.
“These projects are designed to enhance the bay’s ‘self-cleaning’ capacity by accelerating water renewal and reducing stagnant zones,” Dr Bin Daina said.
He pointed out that the SCE conducts quarterly water quality monitoring at multiple locations across Tubli Bay and has previously collected hundreds of water and sediment samples to assess environmental conditions.
Following complaints raised in August 2025, SCE teams carried out field inspections that identified algae and sediment build-up in several low-flow areas. Immediate cleaning and treatment measures were co-ordinated with relevant authorities.
Dr Bin Daina praised parliamentary engagement on environmental issues.
“We highly value the role of MPs in highlighting vital environmental concerns and affirm our full readiness to respond to any inquiries within the competencies of the SCE.”
He added that co-ordination with municipalities and service providers would continue to ensure swift field responses, strict monitoring of discharge sources and intensified beach-cleaning campaigns, particularly during hot and dry seasons.
Dr Bin Daina stressed that addressing odours in Tubli Bay is part of a broader national commitment to environmental protection and public well-being.
“This is not a temporary response,” he said. “It is a sustained effort that combines infrastructure development, environmental engineering, continuous monitoring and community engagement, reflecting the kingdom’s commitment to protecting its marine environment and enhancing quality of life.”
The bay is protected a special royal decree issued in 2006 following the approval of a legislation by Parliament and the Shura Council.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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