Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Toxic Algae Spike on Italy’s Riviera del Conero Prompts Bathing Bans

Officials link the resurgence to exceptionally warm Mediterranean waters, with monitoring and restrictions continuing.

Image
Die giftige Alge Ostreopsis cf. ovata breitet sich an der Adriaküste in Italien aus.
Algen-Alarm an der Adria: An einigen Stränden herrscht Badeverbot (Symbolbild)

Overview

  • Regional agency ARPAM reported a renewed rise of Ostreopsis cf. ovata in 3–4 September sampling, far above the 30,000 cells per liter guideline.
  • Measured counts included 448,000 cells/l at Sirolo, 672,000 at Numana, and 368,400 at Porto Recanati, with a reported peak of 836,800 at Ancona’s Passetto on 4 September.
  • Municipalities imposed bathing bans on affected stretches in Ancona (Passetto, Pietralacroce), Sirolo (Spiaggia Urbani), Numana Alta (Spiaggiola), and Porto Recanati (north of the Fiumarella mouth).
  • Exposure in water or sea spray has been linked to coughing, sore throat, nasal irritation, breathing difficulty, eye irritation, skin reactions, dizziness, and nausea.
  • Scientists note the species has expanded in the Mediterranean since the 1990s, and Copernicus analysis shows July 2025 was the warmest July on record for regional sea surface temperatures.