The UK Environment Agency (EA) has reported a sharp decline in the Atlantic salmon population, reaching a record low. This alarming trend indicates severe pollution in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Approximately 90% of river salmon in England are classified as 'at risk' or 'possibly at risk', highlighting the urgent need for environmental restoration efforts.
EA attributes this decline to agricultural pollution, sedimentation, industrial chemicals, and untreated waste. The agency has called on farmers, landowners, and industries to take more significant actions to protect this crucial species. The situation is exacerbated by the dumping of raw sewage into rivers and seas, leading to public outrage against water companies accused of failing to invest in infrastructure.
In a related development, the air quality monitoring system in Sofia, Bulgaria, has been compromised for years, failing to accurately report pollution levels. An environmental organization, 'Za Zemyata', has revealed that the automatic air quality stations in the city do not meet the required standards, resulting in underreported nitrogen dioxide levels, a significant urban pollutant.
Recent measurements indicate that nitrogen dioxide pollution in Sofia exceeds World Health Organization recommendations by 18 times. This has raised serious health concerns for residents, with calls for immediate improvements in the air quality monitoring system to ensure transparency and accountability. Authorities are urged to investigate the concealment of this vital information, which has direct implications for public health.