The Adriatic Sea is on the brink of an ecological disaster! The invasive brown algae Stypopodium schimperii, originally from the Red Sea, has entered our waters through the Suez Canal and now threatens to destroy the entire underwater world. First spotted in 2016 around the island of Vis, this algae population exploded from a few dozen individuals to several thousand in just two years, turning into a monoculture that suffocates native algae species and destroys biodiversity.
This brown seaweed not only takes up space and light needed by native species but also contains toxic substances that repel natural predators, meaning there is no one to stop it. The result? The Adriatic’s underwater world is almost completely cleared of algae, sponges, shells, and other invertebrates.
Experts warn that if the situation does not stabilize, this algae could spread throughout the central Adriatic, leading to irreversible consequences for fisheries, tourism, and the entire ecosystem. The Adriatic, known for its clean waters and rich biodiversity, could become a wasteland of brown algae.
At popular resorts, the sea has already turned green, and tourists are worried about the safety of swimming. Scientists hope for a miracle, but the situation is currently catastrophic. On the popular Facebook group “Living World of the Adriatic Sea,” pessimism prevails – “until a miracle happens, all we can do is cry.”
This invasion is not just an ecological problem but also an economic blow to the region. Fisheries and tourism, two key economic sectors, could suffer huge losses. If you love the Adriatic, it’s time to ask yourself – will we allow the sea to become a wasteland? Or will we finally start paying attention to this threat?
What do you think? Is this the beginning of the end for the Adriatic Sea as we know it? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or just say – who’s next in line for invasion? Just don’t stay silent, because the sea can’t wait!
