Algae mucus on the Adriatic: It tingles on local beaches!

Algae mucus on the Adriatic: It tingles on local beaches!

D He sight of slippery algae mucus has shaped the beaches on the Adriatic in the past few weeks and raises important questions about the environment and business opportunities of the region. From the Gulf from Trieste to Ancona, the holidaymakers are confronted with white, brownish accumulation that arise in the heat of up to 30 degrees Celsius. Such algae flowers, which are also known as the "sea snot" in technical language, could be a serious challenge, not only for swimmers, but also for local fishermen.

origin and development of the phenomenon

The causes of these algae mucus phenomena are not fully clarified, but high water temperatures that are unusually high this season play a decisive role. As the marine biologist Roberto Danovaro explains, these high temperatures favor the growth of algae, especially if they are connected to the nutrients that get into the water from agricultural practices, such as fertilizers and pesticides

As early as 1697, the Cistercian monk Paolo Boccone described these phenomena on the beaches of the Adriatic, with the "remnants of intertwined and interwoven fibers" bothering the senses of the swimmers. The term "Mare Sporco", which means "dirty sea", has been established in scientific literature for a century and a half.

episodes for tourism and fishing

The effects of algae mucus formation are far-reaching. While the tourism industry suffers due to the fleeting bathing pleasure - many bathers find the mucus unpleasant and cannot feel safe after swimming - it is the fishermen that are particularly affected. An industry association recently requested support from the state because the mucus collections significantly impair the boat movements.

boats often cannot start the journey into the open sea, and the adhesion of the mucus on ship screws leads to repeated maintenance. Rapid escalating algae stocks not only put the catching of fish in danger, but can also influence the fish stock itself.

a glimmer of hope

Despite the current problems, Danovaro believes that the Adriatic has been less dirty in the past decades than 40 years ago. There are also signs that the mucus already begins in many places to decompose, which indicates the commitment of bacteria in the water. "Maybe this will happen before the great rush of holidaymakers," hopes Danovaro.

The climate-related change

Overall, the changes in the Adriatic show a crystal -clear trend: the rising water temperatures due to climate change could be the main reason for the increase in such phenomena. According to experts, we urgently need sustainable solutions to protect both the environment and the economic well -being of the residents.

It is clear that the algae mucus is not only a temporary problem, but is also a serious challenge for the Adriatic ecosystem. The highlights of tourism could be less happy if those responsible do not act now.