What happened to the water on the Black Sea. The Black Sea turned turquoise

08.07.2020

The Black Sea is a reservoir of contrasts, stories and legends. Like any huge water resource, he has hundreds of secrets. Especially interesting is the Black Sea at the junction with the Azov Sea - there you can appreciate the beauty of their differences and scale. If the Sea of Azov looks more like a huge lake with a shallow depth, then the Black Sea is a real abyss. An ominous, beautiful and exciting abyss.

Paleontologists believe that in the Black Sea region since the formation of the Earth there were salt water bodies: the Pontic, and then the Meotic Sea. In other periods, the region dried up, and fresh water springs-lakes were formed here. The sea acquired its modern boundaries, depth and type of water a little more than 8000 years ago. The reason for these changes was the devastating earthquake that formed the Bosphorus. Due to him, the Mediterranean Sea connected with a water source nearby and began to give water to the "newborn".

The area of the Black Sea is equal to a value greater than 422 square kilometers... Its length is 580 km from north to south, while the maximum depth is 2210 m. southern Europe and Asia Minor.

Facts, mysteries and wonders of the Black Sea

More than one long story or legend can be told about the Black Sea. Here are just 15 small, but interesting facts about him:

According to ancient legend Jason set out on a journey across the Black Sea with the Argonauts in search of the golden fleece. Their path ran through land and water to Colchis.
The first mentions of a sea source are found in documents of the 5th century BC, they are associated with the expansion of the lands of an ancient civilization.

Black Sea, view from space

Only the Black Sea has many names that are still used by different peoples and countries. Some names have disappeared over time. The ancient Greeks, for example, called it the Inhospitable Sea, or Pont Aksinsky. It was renamed into Hospitable, because the Greeks mastered the shores and found them attractive for winemaking, agriculture, and trade. In ancient Greek, the name began to sound Pontus Euxinian. Much later, in times Ancient Rus, the sea was called Scythian, somewhat less often - Russian. Other names are mentioned in historical documents found in European countries and in Asia. So, it corresponds to: Temarun, Holy Sea, Ocean, Akhshaena, Blue Sea, Cimmerian, Tauride. There is no exact information why it began to be called Black. Some historians believe that it is called so because of the color of the designation. Previously, the North was designated black, and this sea belonged to it. The second theory indicates that the sea got its name from the large amount of hydrogen sulfide in the water. If any metal hit the bottom, it turned black. However, thanks to the same hydrogen sulfide, sunken ships at the bottom remain several times longer than in the waters of other seas.
Only 2500 species of animals live in the waters, perhaps this is due to the peculiarities of their composition. Usually, 2-3 times more representatives live in the seas. In the Mediterranean - 9000.
The same hydrogen sulfide is of no less importance in a small number of inhabitants. Its concentration at a depth of more than 200 meters is so great that not a single living creature is able to survive there.
In August, at night, the sea waters begin to glow due to the migration of plankton populations, which phosphoresce.

Glowing plankton in the Black Sea

Unlike many seas and oceans, Black's name different countries has different inscriptions and pronunciations.
Due to its young age, the Black Sea may increase in size. The same goes for the mountains around it. You can also notice this in the ancient cities of Crimea, which go under water for tens of meters. Oceanologists believe that every 100 years, the size of the reservoir increases by an average of 20 cm.
Sea dragon- the most predatory and deadly fish that lives in the Black Sea waters. Its thorns contain poison that can kill an adult.
The seal is a creature of a cold climate, but it finds refuge in the waters of the Black Sea.
The main biomass is represented by jellyfish- only 10% is allocated to other creatures.
The Black Sea has one large peninsula - Crimea - and only 10 islands. When compared with the Caribbean or Mediterranean, this number is ten times less.
The Black Sea is a source of oil and gas. But they lie so deep that no country has yet reached production.
Far from the coast, the sea surface is cut by huge eddies, the wavelength of which reaches 400 km.
In winter, the waters of the sea freeze only partially; there is a glacial area near Odessa. Byzantine documents indicate that in 401 and 762 BC, the shackles of ice completely covered the sea surface.

The Black Sea has sheltered thousands of resorts and sanatoriums on its shores, which are visited by millions of tourists every year. However, few people think about how much power and danger is hidden in these hospitable waters.

The number of passengers traveling on airplanes Black Sea resorts, has already grown in comparison with last year by 1.5 times, calculated at the airport "Vnukovo". Another piece of news - the Black Sea has become turquoise due to algae blooms. Environmentalists say this is an indicator good quality water. "AiF" checked what is happening on the beaches Krasnodar Territory.

Sochi: where to eat and swim?

Sochi keeps its brand elite resort... However, in June the weather was not pleasant. But the city hosts the Confederations Cup matches, and the atmosphere is festive. Further summer program also rich: you can visit the performances of the circus "Du Soleil", and ice shows, and music festivals.

Yes, rest in Sochi remains expensive. However, there are places where you don't need to spend 1000 rubles for lunch - many inexpensive canteens have been opened in the city. In restaurants, chefs offer dishes made from local products: Cossack lamb ribs, borscht with donuts and lard, dumplings.

Two-story ones roam the streets sightseeing buses with an open top. “There were no such people in the city before,” says a local resident. V. Mikhailenko... “I myself recently took a ride from Sochi to the Olympic Park and listened to a review lecture.”

“I came to Sochi for the first time,” says Tatiana Babchinskaya... - I with my husband and a small child settled in the Imereti lowland - near the Olympic Park, Sochi Park. We also visited Rosa Khutor. Everything is very beautiful, European-style - impressive. But Adler was unpleasantly struck: chaotic tent trade does not paint the resort at all ”.

The beaches of Sochi, while there are few tourists, remain fairly clean. However, locals recommend going to the Olympic Park for swimming. “There is an open sea, and even before the Olympic construction, when there were wild beaches, the locals preferred to swim and sunbathe in this very place, - V. Mikhailenko advises. “Now everything is comfortable, and the quality of the water has not deteriorated.”

Accommodation (cost per day):
Bed (hostel)	from 500 rubles
1-room flat	from 1.5 thousand rubles
Hotel room 3 *	from 4.2 thousand rubles
Hotel room 5 *, breakfast included	from 42 thousand rubles
Food:
100 g kebab	from 200 rubles.
100 ml dry red wine
	from 180 rubles.
Lunch for 1 person in the dining room	from 350 rubles.
Beach:
	is free
Deck chair + umbrella	from 150 rubles. at one o'clock
Ticket to the water park	1.5 thousand rubles, children under 5 free of charge
Dolphinarium ticket
Skypark, preferential, children under 5	is free
Sochi Park

Anapa: warm sea, seaweed, low prices

Shallow sea, sandy beaches: Anapa is a resort specifically for families with children. And the city was filled with tourists from the very beginning summer holidays... Among the new entertainments: the Bora-Bora aqua complex, the Sukko Valley park, the extreme attraction Zip Line.

“We are 100% loaded,” says the owner of the hotel. Edward Bedrosov... - But early booking almost none now. Although 7-8 years ago, when the economic situation was more stable, the numbers were sold already in January. And we haven’t raised prices for several years. ”

“In my opinion, rest in Anapa is slightly cheaper than in other resorts of the region,” says the tourist. Elena Vdovichenko... "But there are few places where bank cards are accepted, so I advise you to take more cash with you."

At the end of July - in August, algae appear in the Anapa Sea. Their scientific name is "stray cladofora", and in common parlance - kamka. When the water temperature rises to 23 degrees (and last year it reached 27-28 degrees), the dam begins to multiply rapidly - it grows up to 120 meters per day. These algae are filamentous, and it is almost impossible to get them out of the water. Local authorities are trying to solve the problem: they are negotiating the purchase of equipment for harvesting algae abroad. By the way, they are common on other beaches of the world, for example, in Italy.

Accommodation (cost per day):
Bed (hostel)	from 500 rubles
1-room flat	from 1.8 thousand rubles
Hotel room 3 *	from 4 thousand rubles
Hotel room 5 *, all inclusive	21.3 thousand rubles
Food:
100 g kebab	from 160 rubles.
100 ml dry red wine
	from 150 rubles.
Lunch for 1 person in the dining room	from 350 rubles.
Beach:
	is free
Deck chair + umbrella	from 100 rubles. at one o'clock
Ticket to the water park	1200 rubles, children under 5 free of charge
Dolphinarium ticket	800 rub., Children under 5 years old free

Gelendzhik: embankment, mountains, pines

This year Gelendzhik has updated its embankment (by the way, the longest in Europe - 12 km) - a new section has been built overlooking the sea. There are also bike paths and exercise equipment. There are flowers all around. In general, everything is as on best resorts the world.

“I love Gelendzhik for the mountains, the sea and the pines,” admits Anna Zubova from Khabarovsk. - This year I was pleasantly surprised that all the stalls have led to the same style. All are located on one side and do not spoil the view. " New entertainment appeared at the resort. This is a Roman park, where you can see performances from the life of the ancient Romans, and the largest fountain in the region. A large gastronomic festival will take place in mid-July: the most famous Russian chefs will compete in their art and hold master classes.

Accommodation (cost per day):
Bed (hostel)	from 500 rubles
1-room flat	from 2 thousand rubles
Hotel room 3 *	from 4 thousand rubles
Hotel room 5 *, breakfast included	12.5 thousand rubles
Food:
100 g kebab	from 150 rubles.
100 ml dry red wine
	from 160 rubles.
Lunch for 1 person in the dining room	from 180 rubles.
Beach:
	is free
Deck chair + umbrella	RUB 150 at one o'clock
Ticket to the water park	1400 rubles, children under 5 years old are free
Dolphinarium ticket	adult 900 rubles, children 600 rubles, children under 5 free of charge

Dolmens, waterfalls, caves

What must be seen in Sochi and the surrounding area?

A. Staroverov, Murmansk

Among the most popular excursions in Sochi is, of course, a trip to the sites of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games and Krasnaya Polyana. But in the vicinity of the "summer" Russian capital there are many other completely unique sights.

So, in Skypark you need to walk along one of the longest in the world pedestrian bridges... Its length is 439 m, height is 207 m. The bridge is held by 8 cables.

Do not forget to visit the Matsesta Valley - its healing hydrogen sulphide springs. In her hospital, everyone can visit a doctor and receive a referral for a course of baths.

Another point of attraction is the Eagle Rocks, where, having climbed to a height of 379 m, you will see the sculpture of Prometheus.

Agursky waterfalls are cascades of water falling into Blue Lake where you can swim. However, in the Sochi region, there are waterfalls on almost every river, and for tourists they even created a route called "33 waterfalls". It is interesting to visit the Vorontsovskiy caves, which have 10 entrances, and the Volkonskiy dolmen - the only monolithic stone house in the world. He is at least 5 thousand years old! Scientists are still wondering who and why it was built. All in all, there are 200 dolmens in the Sochi region.

Gelendzhik is resort town but in the given time to rest there is unrealistic. All due to the fact that sewage wastes were dumped into the Black Sea.

Now there is a terrible smell on the beaches, in some places the water has turned brown. Despite this, many tourists continue to visit the beaches every day, hoping that the situation is about to change.

On the 9th of July this year, the beaches were closed. Law enforcement officials did not explain anything, but simply kicked people out of the beach, after which they blocked the entire coastline using special tapes. All this time, the police watched so that none of the people went into the sea.

After a while, the situation became clearer. There is information that experts are waiting for the results of the water study. So, the management decided to play it safe. If tourists or locals get poisoned or get sick with something, the city administration will not be laughing.

And at this time there is no limit to the indignation of tourists, because the rest in Gelendzhik is not so cheap and profitable, and many arrived for only a few days, so the vacation was completely ruined.

Currently, people do not know what to do, because all the vouchers were bought in advance, and no one knew that this could happen. And what can you do on seaside resort how not to swim and sunbathe? And if the beaches are closed, you don't have to go at all.

The situation is promised to be resolved in the future tense, but the tourists are not getting better from this. Many flew to the resort for a very short time.

Now in the networks there are disputes on this topic. Outraged tourists point out that they spent so much money on travel packages not to swim in the waste and enjoy the fetid odors.

And at this moment local funds mass media they say that an accident occurred at the water utility. There was a breakthrough in the sewer system, due to which the water in some places on the sea turned brown. In other words, feces float in the Black Sea, and even in too much of it.

The company's specialists tried to quickly rectify the situation, pump out the water, but nothing happened. At present, it remains only to wait for the water in the Black Sea to renew itself.

Some courageous tourists try to find less polluted places in order to still swim, but the guards chase them back behind the fence. And this is not because of the color of the water, because there can be dangerous bacteria and diseases in the sea. This situation will continue until all the test results are ready.

Note that initially the ban on swimming was explained by the fact that the water in the sea is too icy. Only after some time it became impossible to deny something. It turned out that there was an accident at the water utility, so human feces floated out into the sea.
The local government said that now they are trying to solve the problem with all their might. In the meantime, tourists are offered to visit other beaches that are in the suburbs or towards Novorossiysk.

It should be noted that very low water temperatures have been monitored in all regions of the Black Sea coast since the beginning of this month. So, on the eighth of this month, the water in Anapa and Novorossiysk became very cold.

The Anapa leadership introduced a ban on swimming, and previously only children were not allowed to swim here. Black balloons were hung on the beaches, and local communication the desired message was broadcast all the time.

On July 10, the water began to warm slightly, so officials decided to lift the ban on bathing, although the ban was in force for children even before Wednesday. Two days earlier, there was a terrible incident in Anapa. In the region of the High Bank, a child almost died. An eleven-year-old girl was sent to the Krasnodar clinic in a coma.

Earlier it became clear that the government of Gelendzhik also banned bathing, but here the situation is completely different. Recently, a sewer burst here, because of which feces floated in large quantities in the sea.

Resorts are very popular this year the Black Sea coast... These are not only the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory, Crimea, but also sunny Bulgaria... Pleasant climate beautiful landscapes, warm and gentle sea, reasonable prices - what attracts tourists. Even during a difficult economic situation in the country, they are not ready to say goodbye to vacation, and therefore are looking for budget alternatives to fashionable resorts. Not everything is so rosy in the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory, as it is presented travel agencies and operators. Their goal is to sell the tour, to attract the attention of vacationers. They will never take responsibility for your vacation, therefore, the choice of a resort must be approached more demandingly and carefully, since, apart from yourself, no one can provide the most pleasant, comfortable and safe conditions.

Shocking news

Infection found in the Black Sea! This news literally blew up the entire world community. Every day, local residents turn to medical institutions with complaints of intestinal infection. It became apparent that the water in the Black Sea is contaminated with microorganisms that cause a similar reaction. in the region is really unfavorable. All local residents and vacationers want to receive complete and reliable information about what is happening, if possible, to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Understanding the reasons

Intestinal infection in the Black Sea is not uncommon. On the one hand, its presence is due to quite objective reasons. When the water temperature reached the anomalous mark of 29 degrees Celsius, it became the reason for the active reproduction of rather dangerous algae. Geographical position the sea can hardly be called the most successful, but all because the circulation of water in it is very slow. In fact, this is a closed-type reservoir, therefore, pathogens, having appeared in it, only increase their power. If this reason is called the main one, then, perhaps, every year it will appear in the Black Sea. But over the past three years, it really brings discomfort to vacationers.

There is another opinion, to which everyone is inclined. large quantity experts. So, intestinal infection in the Black Sea is the result of excessive activity and a huge appetite of local officials who are trying to squeeze the maximum out of the resorts at the peak of the season. What does it mean? The fact is that the beaches of the same Adler are overcrowded with people, it is simply impossible to swim normally in the sea. Dirt on the beach, garbage and bottles in the sea are normal resort areas... Is this not the reason for the emergence and active spread of the infection? Moreover, this year tourists noted the presence of sewage and sewage water in the sea. Striking inaction local authorities at a time when hospitals are simply overcrowded with patients. With a timely appeal to a medical institution, the infection can be overcome, but the rest will be definitely ruined. It is unlikely that tourists who have gone through all the hell of local hospitals will want to come back here again.

Talking about infection

Let's try to answer the question, what is the infection in the Black Sea in August. Many people call it rotavirus. So this is a rotavirus infection. The disease is characterized by an acute onset, vomiting, weakness, fever.

There are several ways to get infected with an infection, so it has a rather large focus of spread, it often resembles a whole epidemic, which makes it even more dangerous. Adults and children on the beach can get infected while sunbathing and swimming in sea water. Infection also occurs through common objects of use, places of mass gathering of people. In hot conditions, the infection begins to spread even more rapidly. Most often, bacteria infect the lining of the small intestine. Of course, when the first symptoms of the disease are detected, you should immediately contact a specialist and begin treatment in order to shorten the duration of the disease and prevent the development of complications.

How is the situation really

During the high season, all hospitals in Sochi and Adler are overcrowded with patients who have contracted the infection. The situation is really critical, some tourists decided to abandon the trip altogether, fearing for their health. This position is correct, especially if there are small children in the family. Agree, to go at the height of the season to the coast, where the epidemic is raging, is the height of recklessness.

Tourists' opinion

Tourists in the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory complain about the state of the water in the sea, its pollution with sewage and waste waters. There are quite a few stories on social networks describing how, in just two days at sea, children are struck by rotavirus infections and instead of a long-awaited vacation, they go on a far from pleasant tour of local hospitals. All stories are the same.

About hospitals

All vacationers of the Krasnodar Territory infected with rotavirus are sent to the Regional Hospital No. 4. If you believe the information about it, then it is designed to serve 110 thousand patients, and in the season up to a million vacationers and tourists. The scale is impressive and amazing. Probably, this is a wonderful medical center with an impressive territory and equipped with modern technology.

In fact, there are about 350 beds in the hospital, there are only two infectious diseases departments, designed for 110 patients. You certainly cannot count on an attentive and cordial attitude towards patients, and even more so qualified medical care. Hospital staff complain about a shortage of specialists, staff and a huge number of infected patients. In the conditions of unsanitary conditions prevailing in a medical institution, it is not possible to recover, even to improve their condition. It is for this reason that many tourists prefer to be treated with their own means.

Authorities response

Rospotrebnadzor could not stand aside and answered everyone's question, is there? So, the expert commission reported that the state of water in the Black Sea is constantly monitored, none have been found, so there is not the slightest cause for concern. So why are the city's hospitals literally overcrowded during the high season with people? Rospotrebnadzor is sure that this is not an infection in the Black Sea at all, but banal food poisoning of a massive nature. According to him, during high air temperatures, it is simply impossible to avoid the spread of intestinal infection, and vacationers often visit catering establishments on the beach, resort, without observing basic hygiene requirements. They often purchase sweets, fruits and food on the beach from vendors.

The situation is aggravated by the aggravated heat. Under the influence of direct active sunlight, it is quite easy to get which the same vomiting, fever and general weakness can become.

What to do in case of defeat

Is the Black Sea as dangerous as the media talk about it? How to protect yourself and your children from infection? These questions are actually very important.

When the first symptoms of infection are detected, you must immediately seek help from medical specialists, undergo a comprehensive examination to establish the exact cause of what is happening and begin to be treated. Before the doctor arrives, it is better to place the patient in a cool place, give him as much liquid as possible to drink in order to prevent dehydration. Of course, this should be liquid at room temperature, in no case ice water from the refrigerator.

Trying to prevent defeat

Doctors strongly recommend that parents not take children under 3 years old to other climatic zones... A sharp change in climate can have an extremely negative effect on a child's body that has not yet matured, making it vulnerable to various infections, including rotavirus. Today you can see a picture of how families with very tiny children spend all day on a crowded beach, trying to get the most out of their vacation. It is clear that in such conditions the probability of infection or getting the same heatstroke is quite high. Children on the beach are at risk.

Going on vacation, especially with small children, be more careful when choosing a hotel, give preference only to air-conditioned rooms, choose only trusted cafes for your meals, or cook on your own.

If you have chosen the resorts of the Black Sea coast, you should not visit them in the high season. Even if the water in the Black Sea is not contaminated, from the mass gathering of people, overcrowded beaches and cafes, the likelihood of infection and infection does not decrease. Remember that you are primarily responsible for your health and the health of your children, so you should not expose yourself to even minimal risks - it is better to give up rest altogether.

The cleanest sea in Russia is the Baltic (beaches Kaliningrad region), and the dirtiest are the Caspian and Azov, where it is generally dangerous to swim. This conclusion was reached by the sanitary doctors of Rospotrebnadzor, summing up the results of monitoring for 2016.

Rospotrebnadzor summed up the results of monitoring the quality of coastal water in the seas, which are used for recreation. In Russia, the coastal waters of the Black, Azov, Caspian and Baltic seas as well as parts Sea of Japan washing the Primorsky Territory.

Regularly, sanitary doctors take water samples to assess its sanitary-chemical and microbiological indicators (including the number of pathogens of intestinal infections).

A high proportion of "non-standard" samples indicates that sewage (untreated sewage) from neighboring cities, coastal industrial enterprises and recreation centers is discharged into the seas. Sanitary doctors "reject" the taken samples for such parameters as high content of phenols, oil products, synthetic surfactants (surfactants), iron, manganese, chlorides. In the samples, E. coli, enterococci, worm eggs, and in isolated cases even salmonella and hepatitis A virus are found.

Another reason for pollution, according to Rospotrebnadzor, is accidents at onshore facilities and sea vessels(including bottling of fuel during bunkering), as well as uncontrolled pumping of oily water from ships. On the coastal territory, spontaneous dumps are arranged (including snow dumps after cleaning the streets).

As noted in the report of Rospotrebnadzor, the main threat to the seas is the rapid growth of cities: at the same time, water supply networks are built much faster than sewerage networks (about 2-2.5 times), the capacity of sewage treatment plants is also much less than the volume of water consumption in cities.

At the same time, deep-sea wastewater outlets have not been modernized for decades: suffice it to say that in the Gulf of Finland technologies for deep removal of nutrients, as well as disinfection of wastewater with ultraviolet radiation, began to be introduced only in 2007.

A separate conversation is the improvement of beaches. Beaches must meet the strict requirements of GOST " Hygiene requirements to recreation areas of water objects ": have changing rooms, shady sheds, trash cans, sports and playgrounds, parking for vehicles. In fact, as Rospotrebnadzor states, not all have separate gatherings for small boats, jet skis, the boundaries of the bathing zone are not fenced in by buoys, and rescue towers are not installed and equipped.

Oilmen and corrupt officials poison the Caspian

The Caspian Sea is of the greatest concern to sanitary doctors. For many years, among all Russian water areas, the most polluted waters have been the Caspian waters in the Makhachkala region, where in 2007 almost 100% of the samples taken by sanitary doctors did not meet microbiological standards. Last year - only 31% (in Derbent - 8%, in Kaspiysk - 5%).

We have already talked about the deplorable state of the Caspian seaside: the entire coast is uncontrollably built up with cottages, recreation centers, sanatoriums. At the same time, for the last three decades, the level of the Caspian Sea has been rising, as a result of which the treatment facilities in Derbent and Izberbash have already been put out of action.

And nothing has changed! Rospotrebnadzor in its report for 2016 notes that the discharge of untreated wastewater (sewage and surface stormwater) into the Caspian Sea does not stop, the boundaries of sanitary protection zones are not defined, there is no approved regime and procedure for economic activity in these zones. Well, the heads of municipalities continue to uncontrollably distribute land for construction in the water protection zone.

The situation with the Azov Sea is also bad. For example, back in 2000 in the Temryuk area, 100% of the samples taken by sanitary doctors were recognized as “non-standard”. Now the situation seems to have improved, but not much: last year Rospotrebnadzor "rejected" 16% of the samples taken in the Sea of Azov (and again Temryuk turned out to be the "champion", while everything is in order in Yeisk or Slavyansk-on-Kuban) ... It is worth recalling that in August 2016, the operation of the central beach in the village of Golubitskaya was suspended due to the terrible water quality. Sea of Azov.

Big Sochi "grows" with sewerage

In the Primorsky Territory, where people swim in the Sea of Japan, Rospotrebnadzor also noted a significant improvement in water quality in all respects. There are, of course, "non-standard" samples, but every year there are less and less of them (the worst situation, of course, is near large cities - Vladivostok and Artem).

At the same time, according to Rospotrebnadzor, only last year collectors from two districts of Vladivostok - Leninsky and Pervomaisky - were connected to the sewage treatment plants.

IN Leningrad region swimming is not recommended in many rivers, which from year to year "reject" Rospotrebnadzor (Syas, Volkhov, Kobrinka and others), as well as in the waters Gulf of Finland(the village of Bolshaya Izhora and the Krasnaya Gorka fort) and the Vyborg Bay (Vyborg itself and the Smolyanoy Cape).

As for the Black Sea, the most popular among Russians, as noted in the Krasnodar department of Rospotrebnadzor, last year the water quality indicators improved significantly - there were noticeably fewer “non-standard” samples (and there were none in the Anapa region). Less than 0.3% of the samples taken do not meet hygienic standards (while in 2015 there were almost 5%).

This is explained in the Krasnodar department of Rospotrebnadzor by the fact that the situation was taken under personal control by the deputy plenipotentiary in the Southern Federal District Vladimir Gurba: taken under strict control of wastewater discharges after treatment from treatment facilities in the Greater Sochi area.

As a result, the proportion of "non-standard" samples sea water taken in Greater Sochi, in 2016 amounted to only 0.1% against 11% two years earlier.

On the Crimean seaside, the situation is even better, the sanitary doctors state: only 2% of the samples taken were "rejected", including on several beaches of Yalta, Kerch, Sevastopol, Alushta, as well as the village of Nikolaevka. But neither tourists nor locals believe such data.

"It's dangerous to swim in Gelendzhik Bay"

The deputy coordinator of the public organization "Ecological watch for North Caucasus»Dmitry Shevchenko. In an interview with Svobodnaya Pressa, he noted that it is wrong to estimate the "gross" indicators of the number of seawater samples taken by sanitary doctors - it is necessary to take into account how far from the coast they were taken, at what depth, at what time of day and year.

- Today, the biggest problem for the coastal waters of the Black Sea is, undoubtedly, municipal pollution. Industrial pollution from various industrial enterprises is more local in nature, it is most pronounced, in particular, in the area of the ports of Novorossiysk, Taman.

At the same time, municipal pollution is more widespread and is associated with the discharge of untreated wastewater into the sea. In the Greater Sochi region, even after the Olympics, during which the modernization of centralized treatment facilities was carried out, this problem remained relevant.

Many Sochi districts with private buildings do not have centralized sewerage systems even today. People solve this issue as best they can: they buy septic tanks, fold up and build local treatment facilities. But many still discharge untreated wastewater directly into the sea or into storm sewers, which in turn also go to the sea.

"SP": - Rospotrebnadzor in its report notes that last year, the modernization of sewer networks in Greater Sochi continued, which was taken under control at the embassy.

- Modernization is underway, but at an insufficient pace. Most of the deep-water outlets in the water area were built back in the sixties-seventies of the last century, and now they are outdated both physically and morally. And even in recent years there have been many questions about the engineering state of facilities. Suffice it to recall that in December last year, a huge plastic pipe surfaced like a whale off the coast - part of the deep-water outlet of the Adler sewage treatment plant, built before the Olympics.

"SP": - That is, you would not recommend swimming in the Black Sea?

- I will not be so categorical. There are areas where the water really meets all the standards. But there are also extremely polluted areas: for example, in Gelendzhik or Anapa bays, in my opinion, entering the water is dangerous to health. Near Anapa, the water area is shallow, the water is strongly warmed up by the sun, which allows microorganisms to multiply faster from wastewater entering the sea.

Now all the water there "blooms" due to algae - this is an indicator of the degree of pollution with organic waste. Due to the abundant reproduction of algae that consume oxygen, the water is deprived of its other inhabitants - fish, molluscs, crustaceans go to other places. That is, ultimately, it leads to an environmental disaster.