Climate crisis threatens Mediterranean holidays: jellyfish flood beaches!

Climate crisis threatens Mediterranean holidays: jellyfish flood beaches!

The Mediterranean, one of the most popular summer holiday destinations, is under increasing pressure from the climate crisis. According to the Westfalenpost Scientists warn of the serious consequences of rising water temperatures and other ecological pressures. Winter water temperatures no longer fall below ten degrees, which results in serious changes in the ecosystem. Plant and animal species that require cold periods to reproduce are particularly affected.

Snorkelers and divers in the region are noticing the deterioration of the underwater landscapes. Seagrass meadows and horn coral forests are increasingly being replaced by slimy carpets of algae. Additional challenges arise from extreme heat periods and floods, which have a negative impact on the entire coastal area. Higher water temperatures increase salinity and lead to oxygen depletion, which can cause mass deaths of fish and other marine life.

Alarming ecological changes

Another worrying development is the formation of so-called dead zones, caused by dying algae that use up available oxygen. At the same time, jellyfish populations are increasing. According to that WWF Jellyfish, which have existed since before the dinosaurs, are common in all oceans and play an important role in the marine ecosystem. Since around 2003, there has been an imbalance in the Mediterranean, triggered by rising temperatures, which is favoring the explosive proliferation of jellyfish. These jellyfish blooms, once rare, are now annual and last longer.

The increase in jellyfish has a significant impact on the local economy, particularly fishing. Jellyfish clog fishing nets and damage fishing gear, forcing crews to spend a lot of time removing jellyfish instead of catching fish. Tourism also suffers, as beaches with lots of jellyfish become less attractive and the decline in visitors leads to economic damage for local communities.

Urgent need for action

The invasive spread of species such as tropical lionfish and the killer algae Caulerpa taxifolia threatens native habitats in the Mediterranean. An urgent need for action to preserve coastal landscapes and biodiversity is essential. Suggestions to combat climate change include reducing overfishing and wastewater pollution and reforesting seagrass meadows.

Countries like Italy are also suffering from the consequences of climate change on land. Bush and forest fires are increasingly occurring in Greece, Spain, Italy and southern France. Italy in particular is affected by severe droughts, particularly in the central and southern regions and in Sicily. Vacationers planning to travel to these regions should definitely take local warnings and weather advisories seriously.