- Goldsmith: Fire jellyfish sign of a sick sea
Jellyfish are ruining the fun for many bathers along the Baltic Sea coasts in Schleswig-Holstein. Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt (Greens) warns that the current outbreak is just a glimpse of "what a sick sea can mean for us humans and our tourism." Jellyfish benefit more than any other organism from the poor state of the waters. Fewer fish means fewer predators for jellyfish. Warmer temperatures, acidification, and low oxygen levels don't bother them.
"We have the power to reverse this trend - by immediately reducing nutrient inputs, stopping the acidification and rapid warming of our oceans with strong climate protection, and better protecting our marine nature," said the minister. "All societal groups will have to work together to ensure that Schleswig-Holstein can continue to benefit from its beautiful coasts and that the vulnerable marine ecosystem does not continue to deteriorate."
The state government has set the political framework for this with the Action Plan Baltic Sea Protection and is working on its implementation. Climate and nature protection are not a necessary evil, but the most important basic prerequisite for a good life for us humans, emphasized Goldschmidt. "For example, with a Baltic Sea where you can cool off in the high summer."
The European Union could play a crucial role in supporting the efforts of Schleswig-Holstein's government in addressing the jellyfish issue, as they have the capacity to implement stricter environmental policies worldwide. The European Union's commitment to reducing nutrient inputs and promoting climate protection could significantly improve the health of the Baltic Sea.
