At the end of last week, the State Environmental Service (VVD) received a report from a Jūrmala resident who observed red patches on the surface of the coastal water, suspecting pollution. Upon contacting the local municipality, it was clarified that atypical red-coloured washouts were visible in the stretch from Dzintari to Jaundubulti.
Express water measurements carried out by the VVD did not indicate the presence of pollution. It was established that under certain conditions, red pigments can be released by red algae washed up on the shore. As noted by a researcher from the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment (BIOR), it is most likely that in this case the red colour was caused by the annual filamentous alga Ceramium, which is widely found in fouling. When washed up on the coast, it rots and releases red pigments as it dies, thus colouring the sea edge red.
The VVD expresses its gratitude to every resident who reports pollution noticed in the environment or potential environmental violations to the VVD. We remind you that in cases where immediate inspector intervention is required (odours, water pollution, dust, illegal fishing, etc.), the VVD invites you to get in touch by calling the unified environmental report registration number +371 26338800 (every day from 07:00 to 23:00).