On Tuesday, local and national experts met to discuss scientific findings about the ‘white spot’ in the Mar Menor, which is threatened from all sides. This mysterious spot started appearing in the large saltwater lagoon in Murcia about four years ago.
The regional government of Murcia is prepared to intervene in the white spot in the Mar Menor. That is provided this is approved by experts. This was confirmed by Juan María Vázquez, the regional Minister of the Environment, Universities, Research and Mar Menor, during the meeting. The stain 
at the bottom of the lagoon.
Research into the phenomenon
The white spot in Mar Menor was first noticed at the mouth of the Rambla del Albujón. Since then, the spot has spread to the islets of Perdiguera and southern Los Urrutias. The stain consists of a large amount of calcium and causes significant ecological disturbances in the water. The calcite precipitates pose a challenge for scientists. They raise the pH of the water in the Inland Sea. Thus making it more alkaline, instead of more acidic as expected. The aim of Tuesday’s meeting was therefore to analyse the origins of this phenomenon and find solutions to reduce its impact.
Scientific findings
A recent report from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) reported the presence of this white mass of water. The spot has become increasingly clear in recent years and can even be seen on satellite images. The water covers an area of about 15 square kilometres and contains high concentrations of chlorophyll and organic matter, probably of planctonic origin.
Possible causes
The scientists suspect that the nutrients causing plancton proliferation have a diffuse origin, rather than from specific sources such as the Rambla del Albujón. The white-coloured, turbid water mass has reached unprecedented sizes and affects the biodiversity of the lagoon.
Action plan
The regional government has decided to start the first phase of an intervention plan. This includes measures to prevent the spread of the stain. However, the final decision will depend on the approval of the Mar Menor Inter-Administrative Commission, which is composed of representatives of the regional and national government. This BELICH project, funded by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, plays a crucial role in the monitoring of Mar Menor. The project brings together experts from different scientific disciplines to interpret the data and facilitate the necessary decisions.
Also read: Ambitious plan to save Spain’s largest saltwater lagoon Mar Menor