The worst beaches in northern Spain: black flags in Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria according to ecologists in Action

The north of Spain has all the ingredients to obtain some of the most spectacular beaches. The contrast between the mountainous landscapes, cliffs and endless beaches makes these regions a true natural paradise.. But, just as we have to value the virtues of these places, it is also time to know which are the worst beaches in the north of the country and, therefore, fail in environmental matters.

To guide us on this path, Ecologistas en Acción has recently presented the Black Flags 2023 report, in which it awards a total of 48 badges: two per province or autonomous city, one flag for pollution, and another for poor environmental management of the coast.. “Year after year we observe problems similar to the previous ones, although without a doubt one of the biggest problems we face is the touristification and urbanization of our coastline”, they indicate from the organization. Thus, among the reasons that carry a black flag are discharges, deficiencies in sanitation systems and serious purification problems; chemical, light and acoustic pollution or the accumulation of marine debris, among others.

These are the 48 #BanderasNegras2023 that we have awarded this year to bring to light the problems of pollution and mismanagement of the coast of the Spanish State. More information in the full report.

👉🏾 https://t.co/jrblGlN50m

We open thread. 🧵🌊https://t.co/GUmcsYc5JX

– Ecologists in Action (@ecologistas) June 14, 2023

On this occasion, from Ecologistas en Acción they highlight a problem that until now they had not denounced. It is about the proliferation of designated dog beaches without a prior environmental impact assessment. Walking with dogs through natural environments has become a very popular activity around the world, “which poses a series of environmental problems and challenges that must be addressed responsibly”, they add, giving the example of the high impact that walking with dogs cause on the coastal fauna, mainly birds, since it is the exclusive habitat for feeding, resting and reproduction for many of them.

Black Flag beaches in northern Spain

In the north of the country we find ten black spots distributed between Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria. Pollution and poor environmental management of the coasts, together with the urbanization of the coast, put these ten enclaves in the spotlight.

Galicia

• Pontevedra: Bad management at the Ayuntamiento de Vigo for designating a canine beach at the arena of A Calzoa, and for contamination of the ENCE Factory in Pontevedra due to occupation of the public domain
• A Coruña: Mina de San Finx (poured) and Mina de Touro (poured)
• Lugo: Playa de Areaoura (urbanization) and San Cibrao (contamination)

Asturias

• Musel (Regasifier) and Playa de Bañugues (sprayed)

cantabria

• Under Asón (sanitation deficiencies) and Liencres (occupation of the public domain of the parking spaces)

The authors of this study regret the extension of the concession to the ENCE cellulose factory on the shores of the Pontevedra estuary. “After 75 years pouring onto the coast and having exhausted the maximum number of years provided by law, the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the pulp mill, despite a prior judicial ruling from the National Court, ratifying the end of the concession,” they explain..