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ARCHIVED - Catastrophe avoided in Mar Menor as thousands of tonnes of biomass are removed
The experts believe the situation in the Mar Menor is currently “stable” as oxygen levels return to normal
The Murcian Government has withdrawn 10,509 tonnes of biomass from the Mar Menor since January 1, an amount six times higher than the average extracted each year since 2017. The ramped-up cleaning efforts have made it possible to avoid another “catastrophe” in the salt-water lagoon, according to the experts responsible for monitoring the area.
Spokesperson for the Scientific Advisory Committee, Emilio María Dolores, explained that technicians have been removing biomass for several years but at values "much lower" than today, mainly because “this year there is a greater proliferation of algae” as more harmful nutrients make their way into the Mar Menor.
In fact, in 2021 around 720 tonnes of nitrates entered the lagoon; this year, the values have already exceeded 970 tonnes.
The algae that is routinely removed is dried and then examined to determine its nitrogen and phosphorous content, two chemicals which, in large quantities, encourage the growth of phytoplankton which use up all the oxygen in water, threatening other marine life.
The good news is that the situation appears to be somewhat under control; on Monday June 27 technicians took water samples from 45 different areas of the Mar Menor and reported that oxygen levels were “normal.”
The task is a big one, however, and some 150 staff are responsible for combing the area on a daily basis to remove the biomass.
So far, the Community has invested between 5 and 7 million euros in emergency contracts for cleaning tasks.
The head of the Fishermen's Association of San Pedro del Pinatar, José Blaya, has pointed out that this withdrawal of biomass "is a very positive action" for the Mar Menor and has indicated that the current situation in the lagoon is “stable” thanks to the cleaning efforts.
Image: CARM
