Water plague is spreading in Bremen’s ramparts – what does that mean?

Water plague is spreading in Bremen’s ramparts – what does that mean?

The water plague continues to cause excitement in Bremen. The invasive plant has spread particularly in the ramparts, as the environmental department has now confirmed. At the corner of Daniel-von-Büren-Straße and Am Wandrahm, the water plague is visible just below the water surface. While the spread in the ramparts is still low, the authorities are observing a comparatively strong increase in Werdersee. Nevertheless, the experts emphasize that waterweed is not seen as a threat there because it is only present in small areas and is part of a diverse ecological system. Animals use the plants as hiding places or a source of food, which contributes to the existing balance. Weser-Kurier reports that it is still unclear since when the water plague appeared in the ramparts, as it has not yet been noticed.

However, the situation in Werdersee is more dramatic: the water plague has spread rapidly there since spring, which means that the environmental department has to take new measures to combat it. This is the second weeding operation this summer. A company has been commissioned to remove the water pest in the bathing area by tearing out the plants and their roots. The problem: Complete elimination of the waterweed is not realistic, as even the smallest pieces of stem are enough to produce shoots again. The environmental department has therefore set itself the goal of developing a sustainable way of dealing with waterweed. Buten un Binnen helps with information about the problem, which also affects other municipalities.

No fighting in the ramparts

Although the topic of water pollution is omnipresent in Bremen, the authorities have not yet planned any control measures in the ramparts. Since the spread is low and the water areas are not used by swimmers or water sports enthusiasts, there is currently no need for action. Cutting back the pest is not necessary. On the other hand, the environmental department in Werdersee is planning extensive mowing in the autumn in order to reduce the number of overwintering buds. If this measure is not sufficient, further work will be carried out in May.

The Bremen CDU has already called for the water pollution to be completely eliminated. However, the responsible authorities consider this to be too complex and expensive, which makes it difficult to find sustainable solutions. Grass carp is being considered as a possible control method, but this species is also considered invasive and could therefore cause additional problems. The environmental department is in constant communication with other cities that have to overcome similar challenges with water pollution.

The situation in Werdersee and in the ramparts is being closely monitored. The development will be monitored further in the coming weeks to ensure that nature in Bremen does not become unbalanced. It is important to those responsible that the lake remains an intact ecosystem and is not viewed as just a bathing establishment. With this approach it is hoped to find a good path for the future that takes both people and nature into account.