Our Planet Climate and Geopolitics
Fishing associations have urged the Italian government to declare a state of emergency as record-high sea temperatures cause “slimy” algae on the surface of the water. Sea temperatures in July regularly reached 30C, which contributed to an increased presence of mucillagine, or mucilage, a slimy yellowy-white collection of algae on the sea surface. The algae can block boat engines and fishing engines, as well as killing some shellfish by suffocating them. Mucillagine is a specific issue for the Adriatic and has been recorded since the 17th century, but the combined conditions of weak currents and record temperatures have made this summer particularly bad. “I have never experienced it as tough as this before,” said one fisherman from Pesaro. Although not harmful to swimmers, it can make bathers feel “sticky”, raising concerns it could also affect tourism in the region.
