Cádiz coast invasive Asian algae surge strains local authorities

Massive arrivals of the non‑native alga Rugulopteryx okamurae have again overwhelmed beaches in the province of Cádiz during the summer peak. Municipalities such as Rota, Chipiona, El Puerto, Conil and others have been forced to intensify cleaning operations to keep the sands usable for residents and tourists.

Rota alone reported removing 3,407 tonnes of the algae, with a single‑day peak of 217.6 tonnes on 1 June, requiring six vehicles and continuous human effort. The regional capital Cádiz removed ten tonnes in one weekend. The biomass not only spoils the visual appeal of the beaches but, as it decomposes in the heat, emits strong odors that further deter bathing and affect local fauna.

Local officials argue that the scale of the problem exceeds the capacity of municipal services and have called for greater assistance from the Andalusian Junta and the Spanish government, including financial aid, specialized machinery and additional personnel. The recurring invasions are damaging tourism, challenging the fishing fleet and imposing high cleanup costs each season.