At least twelve popular beaches on Spain’s Gran Canaria island have been temporarily closed following a marine pollution alert. The decision, announced by the Canary Islands authorities, shocked tourists and angered residents.
The alarm was raised last week after a spill of decomposing organic matter was detected along the island’s eastern and southern coasts. Six municipalities were affected: Ingenio, Telde, Agüimes, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, and Mogán.
Officials say the source is likely organic waste discharged from marine facilities near Telde, later carried south by currents and northeastern winds. Tests confirmed that the material originated from offshore aquaculture operations.
The most affected beaches include Melenara, Ojos de Garza, Arinaga, El Cabrón, and Bahía Feliz, where water quality has visibly deteriorated. Authorities have raised red flags and deployed cleaning teams along the coastline.
The Mogán municipality has closed eight beaches, including El Perchel, Mogán, Taurito, Playa del Cura, Puerto Rico, Patalavaca, Las Marañuelas, and Anfi del Mar. In Telde, access to Mane, Salinetas, and Agua Dulce is restricted, while one major beach in Santa Lucía de Tirajana remains closed for swimming.
Officials describe the closures as a preventive health measure, to remain in place until cleanup is complete.
The company suspected of causing the spill denies responsibility, claiming that 40% of its sea bass stock died due to a “marine incident,” estimating €15 million in losses. Investigators, however, say no evidence supports this claim.
Local residents demand justice. “The prosecutor must take action,” a Telde resident told Daily Mail. Coastal groups have announced a mass protest on November 18, denouncing the slow institutional response to the environmental crisis.