Costa Del Sol Seaweed crisis

Costa Del Sol Seaweed Crisis In the last year, the Costa Del Sol beaches have been cleared of 12 000 tonnes of the invasive Asian kelp.

Costa Del Sol Seaweed crisis

Local councils have increased budgets to combat the Asian seaweed invasion The “Rugulopteryx Okamurae”, which has plagued the Costa Del Sol beaches in this summer. Workers have so far removed 12,000 tonnes seaweed along the coast this year.  The Mayor of Estepona wants national help to combat what he calls a coastal crisis.

It is a seaweed that can cause foul odors when it settles down on rocks and beaches.  Decomposition can release harmful chemicals such as sulphur, nitrogen and other toxic substances that are harmful to wildlife.  This seaweed forms dense patches in the ocean that can block out sunlight, suffocate marine fauna and fish. The seaweed can also cause serious problems for the local fishermen.  The seaweed can cause nets to clog, tackle to be damaged and sometimes trauling becomes impossible.

Andalucia’s Regional Government has relaxed the rules and taxes regarding disposal of seaweed on landfill sites.

Published: 30.06.2026

Written by Dave James.

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