Coastal algae and seagrass removal finally begins in Águilas and Los Alcázares

Work begins after weeks of delays linked to new environmental rules and permit approvals in Spain

Work has finally started along parts of the Murcia coastline to remove algae and seagrass that has built up on beaches in both Los Alcázares and Águilas, following weeks of delays, growing frustration from residents, and a lot of back-and-forth over permissions.

In Águilas, the accumulation of Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa seagrass has caused problems in recent weeks, especially on Playa Calabardina. Residents reported being unable to access the sea properly, along with unpleasant smells from the decaying vegetation.

The situation comes after a new national rule, which means councils can no longer automatically remove seagrass deposits from beaches. Instead, they must protect them unless they get specific authorisation, as these natural deposits play an important role in coastal ecosystems.

The beach season began on March 15, and although removal is allowed in certain areas, it can only be done once official permission is granted.

After more than a month waiting for approval following a request made in April, the Águilas Town Council has now finally received the green light from the Regional Directorate of Natural Environment in Murcia. Work on Playa Calabardina and Playa La Cola began straight away.

The council says it acted responsibly and was ready to begin earlier, but could not proceed without official approval.

It has criticised delays in the process, saying residents have been affected for too long.

However, environmental authorities say there were issues with the paperwork and clarify that responsibility for beach clearance approvals is shared, with final permission resting with the Coastal Demarcation authority (Demarcación de Costas).Pilot project in the Mar Menor.

Trial project in the Mar Menor area

Meanwhile, in Los Alcázares, a pilot project has begun to manually remove small patches of the algae Caulerpa prolifera on Los Narejos beach.

The trial has been authorised by the relevant authorities and is being closely monitored to assess its environmental impact, as well as whether it could be used elsewhere in the future without harming the Mar Menor ecosystem.

Mayor Mario Pérez Cervera said the municipality is the first in the Mar Menor area to carry out this kind of project, describing it as the result of a long approval process that has taken close to a year.

He added that the work is being carried out under strict environmental supervision and with full respect for the Mar Menor's fragile ecosystem.

The situation once again shows the challenge coastal towns are facing. Beaches need to remain open for people to enjoy during the beach season, but there is also increasing pressure to protect seagrass and marine life under stricter environmental rules. That balance is becoming harder to manage along the coastline.

For more local events, news and visiting information, contact the tourist office of Águilas (telephone 968 493285) or go to the home page of Águilas Today.

Images: Los Alcazares Town Hall