The resort season is in full swing - is the sea safe in Odesa.

The tourist season is in full swing - the beaches are crowded, the heat drives people into the water, and it seems that the sea is still calm and safe. It's hard to believe that a full-scale war is ongoing until the air raid siren screams. Scientists warn that real changes are happening underwater - at the level of DNA and food chains, marine biocenoses. The war has changed not only the landscape on land.

The sanitary situation on the beaches of the Black Sea remains stable, raising no serious concerns. Ecologist Yuriy Kvach assures that the water is clean enough for swimming, but he warns not to forget about common sense, as the seawater remains unsuitable for drinking. There are certain pollution hotspots on the coast.

The appearance of oil stains on the coast poses a serious threat to the fauna, flora, and tourism. Oil is difficult to break down and can remain in the environment for a long Time. The disposal of such pollution requires serious equipment, which is lacking in wartime conditions.

The explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station has caused an ecological catastrophe for the Black Sea, destroying marine life in the coastal zone. The process of returning to the 'pre-war' ecological state has become impossible, and obtaining seafood has turned into a lottery for health, as products from the sea are collected without control.

The changing aquatic environment has led to the transformation of populations that we are now dealing with. The genetic mutations formed today may manifest in 10-20 years, bringing new risks for the future.

Scientific understanding of the ecological crisis will only be possible after hostilities cease, as researchers are working in the dark. The noticeable impact of these changes may only occur in 10-20 years, creating new ecological challenges.

In a large part of the Black Sea, there is a state of calm and safety, but there may be ecological marks on the surface due to military actions and pollution. Damage to the environment and biodiversity can have long-term effects on the sea's ecosystem, and the restoration of natural processes may take a long time after the war ends.