Coastal waters along the shores of Karachi and parts of Balochistan have recently turned an unusual shade of green and even glow at night, causing alarm among fishermen and local communities.
At first, many feared the coloration was due to toxic algae or severe pollution. However, WWF‑Pakistan clarified that the phenomenon is caused by a harmless natural organism — Noctiluca scintillans, often referred to as “sea sparkle.” The green or orange glow is a seasonal event and is not directly linked to water toxicity.
That said, WWF-Pakistan emphasized that while this “sea-sparkle” phenomenon is benign, it does not mean the coastal environments are safe: uncontrolled discharge of wastewater, industrial effluents, solid waste, and untreated sewage through rivers and drains into the sea — particularly from the urban sprawl — continues to pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities.