At least 12 beaches have been closed on a popular Spanish holiday island, leaving tourists shocked.
A marine pollution alert is active in six municipalities on the east and south coast of Gran Canaria, having been sounded by Canary Island government officials last week.
Ingenio, Telde, Agüimes, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán have all been affected.
The measure comes after a spill of decomposing organic material was detected off the coast.
The incident has forced beaches to be closed to bathing as a precaution.
Officials explained the decision was made, ‘in the presence of an episode of marine pollution, due to the dumping of decomposing organic matter from facilities located in the sea, off the coast of Telde’.
From Telde to San Bartolomé de Tirajana, different sandy areas show red flags while surveillance and sampling continue.
Among the most affected areas are Melenara, Ojos de Garza, Arinaga, El Cabrón and Bahía Feliz, where the quality of the water has been visibly impacted.
At least 12 beaches have been closed on a popular Spanish holiday island, leaving tourists shocked. Pictured: One of the closed spots, Patalavaca beach
Analysis suggests the material is from aquaculture activities located offshore.
Initially, the patch was observed several kilometres off the coast of Telde but currents and the northeasterly wind may have moved it towards the south of the island.
Council workers have been clearing up the mess every day but it continues to spread.
Up to 12 beaches along Gran Canaria’s coastline have now been closed due to the incident.
The city council of Mogán closed El Perchel Beach, Mogán Beach, Beach Taurite, Playa del Cura, Beach of Puerto Rico, Patalavaca Beach, Las Marañuelas Beach and Anfi del Mar Beach.
In Telde, Beach of Mane was closed, together Salinetas and Aguadulce.
Santa Lucía de Tirajana was also affected by discharges so Rocas Negras Beach ‘El Yodo’.
Authorities have explained the decision to shut down the beaches came after considering public health and to allow cleaning. It is hoped the beaches will reopen on a phased basis.
A marine pollution alert is active in six municipalities on the east and south coast of Gran Canaria, having been sounded by Canary Island government officials last week
Local residents say they have never seen anything like it, with one commenting: ‘The Prosecutor’s office should take action against those responsible!’
The company accused of the contamination says fish in its premises were killed by some sort of marine spillage which caused the death of 40% of its sea bass production in sea cages.
A spokesman said more than 500 tons of dead fish have been removed. The company estimates loss of €15million.
Investigators say they can’t find any evidence of a marine spill as the firm is claiming.
A major demonstration is being planned by residents’ groups of the Telde coast on November 18.
Protestors say a disaster like this should never happen, especially at the start of the high tourist season in the Canaries.