Black flags on the beaches of Spain
The NGO Ecologists in Action has published this Wednesday the complete list of the 48 Spanish beaches that have received a 'black flag' due to pollution and environmental mismanagement. Since 2005, the organization has carried out inspections in the more than 8,000 kilometers of the coastline, denouncing the most significant cases although they clarify that they are not the only ones. "There is a lot to improve," said spokeswoman Claudia Asensi.
In a press conference by videoconference from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Ecologists in Action highlighted this year the "social and environmental problems caused by the tourism and urbanization of the coastline, especially in the Canary Islands", where they participate in the citizen movement #CanariasTieneUnLimite. "35% of the Canarian population is at risk of poverty, we have a lot to reflect on the development model," Asensi added.
High Concentration of Plastics
Another "serious environmental problem" pointed out is the "high concentration of plastics" on the Spanish coastline. Ecologists in Action mentioned the dumping of pellets that affected the Galician coast earlier this year, which helped to make the seriousness of the problem visible. The organization stresses the need to legislate to reduce the use of plastics and ensure their correct manufacture and transport.
Impact on Public Health
"The population has already gotten used to living with plastics, but this is a serious problem because we end up eating fish that ingest plastics," explained Cristóbal López, spokesman for Ecologists in Action. Despite the lack of accurate studies on the damage, it is recognized that environmental problems become public health and economic problems.
Details of the 'Black Flags'
Of the 48 black flags awarded this year, 16 were for discharges and serious deficiencies in sanitation systems; 15 for excessive urbanization; six for chemical, light and/or acoustic pollution; four for affections to biodiversity; three for accumulation of marine garbage; three others for dredging and unjustified port expansions; and one for damage to historical and cultural heritage.
Recidivism of Beaches with a 'Black Flag'
Among the locations that repeat with 'black flag' regarding 2023 are the estuary of Huelva and the Mar Menor in Murcia. The Huelva estuary has been singled out for pollution caused by heavy mining. The Mar Menor still suffers serious impacts due to the lack of institutional control over economic activities.
Other Problematic Enclaves
Tarifa (Cádiz), La Savinosa (Tarragona), the bay of La Concha beach (San Sebastián) and the red mud raft in Lugo have also received the 'black flag' again. These places stand out for continuous environmental management problems.
Canine Beaches and Environmental Protection
Regarding the canine beaches, López clarified that the problem is not the dogs, but the location of these beaches in protected areas where birds whose habitat is affected live. In addition, he recalled the need to legislate on sun creams containing environmentally harmful ingredients.