Oxygen depletion in Danish waters is reaching critical levels, potentially marking the worst event in 23 years, according to a new report from Aarhus University’s Department of Ecoscience (DCE).

The report highlights that the area affected by oxygen depletion is currently the size of Funen, with severely depleted zones equaling the size of Lolland, raising significant concerns for the marine environment.

Senior advisor Jens Würgler Hansen, author of the report, warns that this situation could lead to an ecological disaster. He notes that affected areas are comparable to last year’s levels and have expanded notably between July and August.

The primary cause of this depletion is attributed to warm weather combined with high levels of nitrogen, fostering algae blooms that consume oxygen in the water.

The situation has already resulted in dead fish in Haderslev Fjord, one of the most severely affected areas.

Marie Østergaard, chief consultant in Water & Nature at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council, acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that climate change is exacerbating the issue, and current nitrogen reduction efforts are insufficient.

The council proposes concrete measures such as retiring low-lying land from production and creating wetlands and mini-wetlands to reduce nitrogen emissions.

Addressing oxygen depletion requires a collective effort, including nitrogen reductions from neighboring countries, as stated by Marie Østergaard.

While strong winds could temporarily alleviate the issue, the weather forecast indicates no significant wind activity in the coming week.

The Department of Ecoscience is set to publish three more oxygen depletion reports in the upcoming months, and the situation will continue to be assessed.