MUSCAT – In a clarification issued, the authority said it conducted laboratory tests on seawater samples at the environmental laboratory of its Directorate General in Dhofar following reports of discolouration and unusual smells at several coastal locations.

The test results confirmed that the samples were free of any oil contamination, the authority said.
It explained that the phenomenon is associated with the Khareef season, during which seaweed rises to the surface due to wave activity, forming a green layer on the water. This marks the early stages of the annual ‘green tide’ phenomenon observed along Dhofar’s beaches.

The authority stressed that there is no connection between the natural occurrence and the ship grounding incident in the Hallaniyat Islands.
It urged the public to rel