The Adriatic Sea is under attack by a dangerous invader! The Croatian Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Split has issued a chilling warning: the invasive brown algae Stypopodium schimperi, originally from the Indian Ocean, is rapidly spreading through the Adriatic seabed and threatening the biological diversity. This algae species entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and was first recorded in Israel a few years ago. Now, it has taken over the coasts around the island of Vis and Komiža. In just three years, a few specimens have grown into a dense monoculture that smothers native algae and invertebrates. The situation is so dire that the seabed around Komiža is almost completely covered by this algae, and there are fears it will spread to the area between Šolta and Kornati islands. Citizens are urged to report any sightings of this algae, as it closely resembles the native Padina pavonica but lacks the white patches. If you thought the Adriatic’s problems were just crowds and pollution, think again! This invasion could lead to a full-blown ecological collapse. Will the authorities act in time, or will we watch our sea slowly die? If you get a chance, take a look underwater around Vis and Komiža — you might spot this dangerous algae monster. And if it feels like a horror movie plot, you’re not far off. As the algae spreads, we wonder — who will save the Adriatic? Got a funny or scary take on this algae invasion? Drop it in the comments, maybe together we’ll figure out how to stop this green menace!
