Oxygen depletion crisis emerges in Danish fjords as environmental concerns rise

In Danish fjords, deteriorating water quality, extensive sludge deposits, and lifeless seabeds are increasingly prevalent. As of August 17, 2024, eight fjords have reported severe oxygen depletion, and two others have experienced moderate declines. This marks a significant increase compared to the previous year, when five fjords reported severe and three moderate oxygen depletion.

Maria Reumert Gjerding, the president of the Danish Society for Nature Conservation, expressed deep concern over the severity of the oxygen depletion observed so early in August, indicating that it is not typical and poses a threat to remaining marine life.

The issue of oxygen depletion intensifies during the summer months. Current measurements indicate that the situation this year is two to three weeks ahead of where it was at the same time last year. As a result, there are fears that the Danish marine environment may enter the autumn season facing unprecedented levels of oxygen depletion.

Monitoring efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency focus on measuring the oxygen content in water, along with the concentration of phytoplankton. Severe oxygen depletion is defined as oxygen levels of 2 mg/L or lower, while moderate depletion falls between 2 and 4 mg/L.

The affected fjords include Limfjorden, Mariager Fjord, Ringkøbing Fjord, Haderslev Fjord, Aabenraa Fjord, Als Fjord, Flensborg Fjord, and Faaborg Fjord for severe depletion. Moderate depletion has been noted in Horsens Fjord and Vejle Fjord.

Particularly hard hit is the South Funen Archipelago, with extensive oxygen depletion affecting the area earlier in the season compared to last year. Immediate action is urged, especially from the agricultural sector, to address the situation and implement necessary changes.