Thessaloniki gulf is currently experiencing a major phytoplankton bloom (see video). This is not the first time we see that here, but it seems it is one of the most extensive and widespread bloom in the gulf. The phenomenon has started as early as March this year (see photos) and it seems that is re-current, intensified and evolving in terms of phytoplankton/prootozooplankton species succession.
Thessaloniki is the 2nd largest city in Greece with over 1,000,000 inhabitants in its metropolitan area. The current bloom coincided with a heat-wave and garbage-strike has contributed to smell episodes in the heart of the city and has alerted civilians. The city has already employed a vessel trying to remove the phytoplankton from the gulf.
