Adriatic Sea ecosystem faces threats from warming and invasive species

Climate change is significantly altering the Adriatic Sea ecosystem. Rising water temperatures, reaching up to 29 degrees Celsius in the Bay of Kotor, are leading to decreased oxygen concentrations and the arrival of invasive tropical species. Notable arrivals include the lionfish and blue crab, which pose threats to native biodiversity and local fisheries. Experts note that while some species like the dentex (krunaš) are becoming more abundant and accessible to fishermen, others like the pufferfish and certain predatory species threaten indigenous populations.

In addition to marine shifts, environmental concerns extend to freshwater systems. An independent analysis has linked the operation of the HE Ulog hydroelectric plant to a massive fish kill in the Neretva River. The report suggests that the plant operated in a prohibited hydropeaking mode, causing sudden water level oscillations and releasing oxygen-poor water from deeper reservoir layers, resulting in the death of various river organisms.