The process, known as eutrophication, is thought to be behind mass fish die-offs in August last year, when millions of dead fish and crustaceans began to wash up on the lagoon's shores. Scientists recorded two similar pollution events in 2016 and 2019.

personhood status to the Mar Menor lagoon in Murcia, in southeastern Spain [...] means that any citizen is now able now appeal to the judiciary in the case of a suspected violation against the lagoon. It will now be legally represented by a group of caretakers that includes local officials, scientistsp[,] and residents living nearby.