The researchers studied the factors behind Cochlodinium polykrikoides blooms in Sepanggar Bay. These blooms can harm fish farms by suffocating fish. The red water discolouration in May-June 2006 was caused by this species. Factors like temperature, salinity, turbidity, and nutrients influence the blooms. Nutrient levels were higher in areas with fish cages. Human activities like water discharge and nutrient enrichment can also contribute to these blooms.