Algae mucus in the Adriatic: Vacationers experience sea snails on beaches

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The Adriatic, a popular holiday destination in the Mediterranean, is facing a special challenge this season: algae mucus. This slimy substance has spread on the beaches of Italy, Croatia and Slovenia and causes resentment among the bathers, but also presents the tourism and fishing industry with new problems.

algae mucus: a well -known problem of the Adriatic

The appearance of algae mucus - also referred to by many locals as the “sea snot” - is not a new phenomenon. As early as 1697, the Cistercian monk Paolo Boccone noticed that remnants of interwoven fibers were covered with mucus on the beaches in front of Venice. Historical reports show that the problem has repeatedly occurred, around the 80s and again in 2006/07, when the frequent algae flowers contaminated the beaches.

causes of the algae flower

marine biologists often attribute the frequent occurrence of the slimy cover to several environmental factors. Particularly hot summer and the associated high water temperatures favor the growth of algae. A water temperature of 30 degrees Celsius was recently measured in some places. In addition, the inflow of nutrients, such as fertilizers and pesticides, contributes to the reinforced algae flower over the buttocks, Italy's longest river. This clearly shows how the interactions between climate change and intensive agriculture influence such phenomena.

signs of improvement?

Despite the negative headlines, there is also hope. Sea biologist Roberto Danovaro expresses that the Adriatic is less dirty today than 40 years ago. He reports that the algae mucus already melt in many places and begins to dissolve in white flakes. This could indicate that bacteria are active in the sea and break down the mucus, possibly even before the rush of the many vacationers who come to the region.

influence on tourism and fishing

The current situation could have a serious effect on tourism and fishing. Holidaymakers complain that the mucus affects their bathing experience and demand more information about its harmlessness. Many locals advise the bathers to take a shower after bathing to remove the sticky rest. This disgust could potentially harm the call from popular holiday locations such as Rimini.

In fishing, there are similar challenges. Smaller boats have difficulty getting into open water because the ship screws are blocked through the mucus. This has now prompted the industry to request government support in order to alleviate the effects of algae blossom on its work.

an outlook on the future

In summary, it can be said that the algae mucus problem in the Adriatic is a complex topic that combines both historical and modern aspects. Scientists and environmentalists must continue to work on solutions to help Adriatic ecosystems and to reduce the effects of the changes on the local population and the economy. With a growing awareness of environmental protection and sustainable practices, the region could be on the way to a clearer and healthier Adriatic.

- Nag