Giant shark sighting in Marbella: Vacationers in danger or just panic?

Giant shark sighting in Marbella: Vacationers in danger or just panic?

With the start of the travel wave, many people look forward to their summer vacation in the popular countries on the Mediterranean, especially in France, Italy and Spain. However, this season not only brings sun and relaxation, but also new challenges. Derwesten reported by sensational giant sharks, which were recently spotted off the coast of Marbella. These sightings caused concern for some vacationers, even if giant sharks that can be up to 12 meters long were generally considered harmless. They mainly feed on plankton and therefore do not represent a danger to humans.

A jet ski driver did not impress the acting and quickly looked for the vastness, while a recreational port provider described the sighting as a sensation. Anyone who spends their vacation on the Costa del Sol can be reassured: the presence of these majestic creatures does not constitute a direct danger.

climate change and rising temperatures

However, there are more serious threats to the Mediterranean, which are caused by the climate crisis. The water temperatures rise at record heights. The water temperature on the Fuengirola coast is currently around 23 degrees - a whole degree higher than originally expected. The trend of the past 40 years shows a continuous warming of the Mediterranean, and forecasts indicate that the temperatures in the southern Mediterranean could increase by up to two degrees by the end of the century and even four degrees in the northern Mediterranean, warn researchers from the Spanish Institute for Sea Science href = "https://www.tagesschau.de/wissen/mittelmeer-Temperature-100.html" Class = "Source_2"> Tagesschau reported.

A marine heat wave was observed, especially in the summer of 2023, in which the water temperatures in some areas were four degrees higher than in the comparison period from 1981 to 2012. On the coasts of Algeria and Italy, a temperature difference of up to five degrees was sometimes found. The world climate (IPCC) characterizes the Mediterranean as the "hotspot of climate change". This not only affects water quality, but also on the flora and fauna.

consequences for the ecosystem

The rising temperatures have serious consequences for the ecosystem of the Mediterranean. An alarming event was the mass extinction of sponges, corals and sea grass in 2022. These organisms are crucial for the marine balance, for example, since sea grass can save twice as much CO2 as forests on land. Due to the higher water temperatures, on the other hand, some jellyfish types and tropical fish, like the red fire fish, feel comfortable in these waters. It is believed that this invasive fish has reached the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal and is now displacing domestic species.

For the holidaymakers on the coast, we can only hope that despite the challenges of climate change, they can experience a safe and pleasant time.