ustka gained worldwide attention in the 2000s, as a bitter debate over a proposed alteration of the town's symbols started. in 2004, one of the town councilors proposed a modernization of the coat of arms. the temperature of a rather dull debate suddenly rose when one councilor complained, jokingly, about the current size and shape of mermaid's breasts, which, to her, seemed small and flaccid. for two years, the councilors debated the proper shape and size of breasts until they finally agreed to accept a project created by historian and heraldist michał marciniak-kożuchowski. on the new coat of arms, the mermaid's breasts are significantly larger and more shapely. however, some councilors have complained that the new mermaid still lacks a navel.