Oxygen depletion in Danish fjords and coastal areas is even worse this year, especially in the south-eastern Jylland fjords, a new report by Aarhus University states. Some benthic animals (animals and organisms that live at the lowest level of a body of water) have been found dead in the Limfjorden and the waters of Småland, and the release of toxic hydrogen sulfide has been found. The oxygen depletion was recorded earlier this year, the report finds, and is more widespread and more intense than at the same time last year. Oxygen depletion occurs when algal blooms suck the oxygen out of the water, and this can ultimately have a fatal result for marine life. Strong, windy weather can supply oxygen to the affected areas, but if it does not come in the autumn, then the conditions in the affected areas can become even worse.
