Brown-yellow and rather unsavory: the algae carpet in the Flensburg inner harbor
The latest algae report from Schleswig-Holstein shows that the Baltic Sea coast currently has significantly different concentrations of microalgae. The lens-shaped two-chisel algae has spread particularly in the Flensburg inner fjord. The water there, especially in the inner harbor, has already taken on an orange-brown color, which can be observed when the weather is calm. Nevertheless, there is currently no significant damage from algae in the Schleswig-Holstein coastal waters of the North and Baltic Seas.
On behalf of the State Office for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas (LLUR), the water police took water samples at 13 locations on the Baltic Sea coast between Flensburg and Lübeck-Travemünde. The almond-shaped two-chisel algae and the rib diatom were also found in increased concentrations.
The occurrence of filamentous blue-green algae, however, has decreased somewhat. Only along the south-eastern coastal strip of Schleswig-Holstein does the blue-green alga occur more frequently in places. However, the time for strongly increased algae occurrences is only just beginning. In recent years, when beaches had to be closed and some media reported about "algae plague" (faz.net) and "gigantic algae carpets" (spiegel.de), the risk period began always right now: From the end of July until August, the chances are highest that the algae will spread to large areas. The blue-green algae in particular are uncomfortable and spoil sailing and swimming fun. Direct contact can lead to skin irritation and gastrointestinal disorders.
Current situation reports via www.algenreport.de.