Scientists from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) have expressed serious concerns regarding the Mar Menor, a saltwater lagoon, as it shows significant environmental distress this summer. Chlorophyll levels in the lagoon have increased dramatically, now measuring five times higher than two years ago. This overabundance of phytoplankton can severely impact water clarity and reduce sunlight penetration, which threatens marine vegetation critical to the lagoon’s ecosystem.

Juan Manuel Ruiz, a principal investigator at the IEO, reported that light levels at the lagoon’s depths have dramatically decreased, which could become critical for the health of bottom vegetation if the current trends persist. While oxygen levels remain stable, this situation poses high risks to the ecosystem’s overall health.

The root causes of this crisis appear to be linked to unusually high water temperatures reaching up to thirty-two degrees Celsius and potentially accelerated microbial activity. The Secretary of State for the Environment, Hugo Morán, has been informed about these findings, and officials are closely monitoring the situation.

Researchers are analysing the interplay between long-term nutrient build-up in the lagoon and recent environmental changes. Although current oxygen levels are normal, the risks associated with nutrient release and light reduction are prompting continuous monitoring by both the IEO and related authorities in the months ahead.