Odesa beaches covered with algae: why it happened and whether it's safe to swim.

Algae appeared on Odesa beaches

At the beginning of August, large stripes of green algae can be noticed on Odesa beaches, which are removed from the shore by storms and coastal currents. This year, such a phenomenon is observed in impressive sizes, turning the coastline into a green blanket, while the water looks dark green due to dense vegetation.

Journalists from Novyny.LIVE conducted their own investigation on the Odesa beaches to find out why this happened.

Odesa beaches covered in algae

In popular swimming areas, it is necessary to pass through vegetation or look for cleaner sections of the shore. For many, this becomes a serious problem that spoils the enjoyment of relaxation.

'You can't enter the sea because of these algae. A comfort is the central beach of Odesa, but such neglect. I was yesterday in Arcadia — resting there is just a pleasure. You can take a sunbed for free until 11 o'clock. I enjoyed going there for two weeks in a row. Today I decided to come here, and this is what is happening. That's it, I won't come here anymore.'

Despite the love for Odesa, the uncleaned algae spoil the impressions of beach vacations. In some areas, the plants lie for days. As specialists note, this may be due to cladofora — a type of green algae that, although not dangerous to humans, emits an unpleasant odor when decomposing.

'Of course, it's nice to relax, but the smell is very unpleasant. I want to be closer to the water, so I have to endure this stench somehow. I've been coming here for six days in a row, and every day there are algae. But if you walk past them, the water is clean.'

Some renters try to keep the beaches clean, but in the heat, the amount of vegetation grows so quickly that it becomes difficult to clean the entire area.

'By hand, we collect 80–100 bags a day. You understand what a mess this is. However, we try, for Odesa — this is our beach, this is our city,' said Anatoly, a worker cleaning the shore.

Causes of algae appearance

Ecologists point out that the appearance of a large amount of cladofora this year has its reasons, related not only to weather conditions. Changes in the ecosystem of the Odesa Bay are caused by a decrease in water salinity and an increase in the content of organic compounds, which creates a favorable atmosphere for the growth of algae.

'Since 2022, reverse waters have been continuously discharged into the Black Sea, resulting in a change in the balance, as the Odesa Bay is rather shallow. This can lead to fresh water being replaced by seawater, which is favorable for the growth of algae.'

The development of algae is also facilitated by large amounts of organic compounds that enter the water. Algae are not toxic, but they cause inconveniences.

'This stench and secondary contamination can be dangerous to health, as pathogenic bacteria may appear in the enclosed basin due to changing conditions and decreasing oxygen levels.'

Accumulations of algae can become a problem for both tourists and the ecosystem. It serves as a reminder that the cleanliness of the coastline depends on people's responses to such challenges.

In this text, journalists discuss the appearance of algae on Odesa beaches in large quantities, which has become a serious problem for vacationers. Unfortunately, a decrease in water salinity and other factors have created a favorable atmosphere for the growth of algae, which requires attention and action to address the problem. Currently, the situation continues to worsen, but awareness and actions of people can help preserve the cleanliness of the coastline.