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Seaweed Invasion on Adriatic Beaches: Impact on Summer Tourism

Explore the growing issue of seaweed invasion on Adriatic beaches and its significant impact on summer tourism. Understand the ecological consequences, local responses, and how this phenomenon affects visitors and businesses in the region.

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Seaweed Invasion on Adriatic Beaches: A Summer Surprise for Tourists

Holidaymakers who envisioned a sun-soaked beach escape this summer may have encountered an unexpected sight: long, dense streaks of seaweed drifting across the Adriatic Sea. This phenomenon has been particularly noticeable in Ancona, Italy, where the slimy algae has plagued the waters for several weeks. Although the seaweed briefly disappeared, it has unfortunately made a return, likely thriving in the current hot temperatures.

Impact on Tourism

While the seaweed is not deemed harmful for swimmers, many bathers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the presence of the slimy substance. “You have to take a shower; you feel sticky right away,” shared one disappointed visitor. However, not all tourists are deterred by the sight of the algae. A traveler from the Netherlands acknowledged that while the view is less than appealing, the water itself remains enjoyable.

Edoardo Rubini, a representative from the Ristorante Emilia Portonovo Beach Resort, noted that the seaweed issue has not adversely affected restaurant reservations, and he remains optimistic that it will not deter tourism in the area. Additionally, an increase in algae has been observed in northern regions of Italy, with the Gulf of Trieste reporting record levels of algae since 2007, as highlighted in a report by The National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics.

Increasing Sea Temperatures

This past Monday marked a historic milestone as it was recorded as the hottest day on Earth. This alarming trend is mirrored by rising sea temperatures along the Adriatic coast, which have reached unprecedented highs. Last week, Dubrovnik recorded the highest sea temperature since the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) began its measurements.

According to data from the European Environment Agency, all five European seas have experienced significant warming over the past few decades, particularly since the late 1970s. Projections indicate that under a high emissions scenario, sea surface temperatures could increase by 2 to 6 degrees Celsius by the year 2100.

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