Shark infestation? Authorities forced to plant fake fins to keep people out of lake

Warning signs with the inscription ‘Caution Sharks!’ could be seen in the surroundings of Plötzensee lake in Berlin, Germany, in the month of August. The news spread like wildfire throughout social media and people did not hesitate to hold back what they really thought about it. Discussions and comments about the campaign of the Berlin-Mitte district office has gone viral under the hashtag #haialarmamplötzensee, which translates to 'Shark alert at Plötzensee'

Unauthorized bathing endangers the Plötzensee lake

The lake was 'infested' with multiple yellow banners with sharks painted on them in a lake in Berlin in the beginning of July. In addition, yellow shark fins, made of wood, could be seen floating on the water. The water in the lake is not infested with sharks, however, the authorities have had to make these fake infections in order to protect the flora and fauna from the people who swim in the lake without authority.

On the website of the responsible district office, its stated that:

The action is intended above all one thing: to attract attention. We want to raise the awareness of bathers, explain the background and make clear how important the protection of flora and fauna is in this so beautiful place.

Environment City Councilor Almut Neumann (B90/Greens) said on Monday to the German Press Agency:

The message has reached many: Anyone who bathes on the unpaved shore endangers Plötzensee - no matter how 'careful' he or she may be.

Nobody wants a dead lake’ - authorities warn.

And indeed, Plötzensee has a problem. Due to the lost biodiversity and the crowds, its ecosystem is on the verge of collapse. Parts of the shore areas belong to the landscape protection region and the unpaved shore provides important space for breeding grounds. It is also a refuge for waterfowl and other animals.

However, people who come to the lake in hoards during this hot summer often ignore its biodiversity. Even permanently installed fences apparently pose no obstacle to bathers. Almut Neumann said:

Anyone who wants to swim in Plötzensee is welcome to do so - but then please preferably in the lido...

This article was translated from Gentside DE.

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