Seaweed Piles and Foul Odor Greet Tourists in Šventoji

Visitors to the Lithuanian seaside resort of Šventoji were met with an unappealing sight on Saturday: large accumulations of seaweed and a foul odor near the local sea bridge. Photos shared on social media depicted the unpleasant scene, prompting concern among holidaymakers.

While some observers noted that the seaweed was not present just a few days prior and that other popular coastal spots like Smiltynė, Karklė, and Nemirseta were unaffected, the situation follows a recent period of algal blooms in the Baltic Sea. These blooms, characterized by rapid multiplication of algae, particularly blue-green algae, often result in the "blooming" of the water's surface and a distinct smell of rotten eggs.

Despite the recent unsightly conditions, the Palanga city rescue service has stated that the water quality has improved. They report that the water is now clear and no longer experiencing blooms, which is encouraging more people to venture into the sea for swimming.

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Here in Šventoji by the sea on Saturday, piles of seaweed were recorded. "Summer heat tempts everyone to the sea. The views towards the Šventoji bridge are of seaweed and an unpleasant smell," wrote Vilma on social media and shared photos.