Red Waters of Magalevsky Lagoon: An Ecological Insight
In the national park «Tuzlivski Lymany» in the Odesa region, an unusual phenomenon is occurring: the water in Magalevsky Lagoon has turned red due to a significant bloom of algae.
This was reported by ecologist Ivan Rusev.
He indicated that after the natural closure of the channel by 2 km of sandy banks, the lagoon has practically dried up due to intense evaporation. Salt is forming on its surface.
In recent days, the water ecosystem of the lagoon has gradually shifted to a reddish hue. The peak of this coloration is expected by mid-September, giving the lagoon an appearance reminiscent of an alien landscape. This color serves as an indicator of the massive bloom of the microalgae Dunaliella Salina during periods of high temperature and salinity, – Rusev stated.
Rusev added that Magalevsky Lagoon is the sixth out of 13 shallow lagoons that are actively drying up, where salt will be formed. Nevertheless, the vast waters of the other 7 lagoons continue to provide food for birds and aquatic organisms.
