'MyRedTides' a fast and easy tool for sharing harmful algal bloom information in Sabah, Malaysia

The coastal waters of the Malaysian state of Sabah are frequently affected by harmful algal blooms (HABs) mainly caused by Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum and Margalefidinium polykrikoides, that have negative impacts on the aquaculture industry and human health. The project aims to develop a Public Information Map using ArcGIS to increase the effectiveness of sharing and communication of HAB information among relevant stakeholders and the community. The Department of Fisheries Sabah (DOFS) also participated in the project and knowledge transfer was done through a two-day on-line training. The output of the project are WebApps called MyRedTides. Altogether, two WebApps were developed: 1) cell density of P. bahamense and M. polykrikoides and 2) paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), i.e., toxin concentration of various coastal locations in Sabah. The developed WebApps contain useful information to the users such as the species responsible, recent, and previous HAB cases, as well as providing a platform for the sharing and exchange of information. Nevertheless, the use of this online WebApps as an early warning system is still at the preliminary stage because the acceptance and reaction of the stakeholders and local communities need to be evaluated. This is important to ensure that the HAB information is handled in the most effective manner.