The Noja coast is dealing these days with the massive arrival of Rugulopteryx okamurae, an algae of Asian origin that has taken over the most crowded beaches in the middle of the high season. The accumulation on the shore and on the sand has transformed the appearance of the beaches and has forced the activation of a emergency cleanup operation.
The condition is especially concentrated in TrengandÃn and Ris, with a continuous tapestry of remains that occupies approximately 2 kilometers long and some 20 meters wide between the dry sand and the water line. To the discomfort caused by the bad smells The discomfort of walking and bathing is added, and in some sections, portuguese caravels, further complicating bathing.
What is happening in TrengandÃn and Ris
From the first hour, users have encountered a brown carpet which covers a good part of the entrance to the water. At high tide, the mattress sometimes reaches up to knee height, which discourages many bathers and complicates access with children.
Among the most common complaints are: stench of putrefactionThe presence of insects Attracted by the rotting remains and the general feeling of filth. There are many who choose to use water shoes to move along the shore or directly seek less affected areas.
Ecological impact and impact on local fishing
Rugulopteryx okamurae is a Invasive species which reproduces very quickly through spores, occupying the space and resources of the native flora. By forming dense banks on the surface, it prevents the passage of light and oxygen, which causes suffocation of the sea ​​bottom. For a deeper understanding of the situation, see the article on environmental impact of Asian seaweed.
Local divers and diving centers report that in recent days they have perceived between a 30% and 40% less life in areas usually rich in wildlife. Among the affected species are spider crabs, king crabs, conger eels and rays, in addition to a decline in algae native to the area such as i came.
This algae is also of little use as a shelter or spawning area for numerous fish, which adds pressure to local ecosystems and complicates the fishing activity, already conditioned by storms and seasonality.
Clean-up operation and figures
The Government of Cantabria declared the emergency to deal with the withdrawal and commissioned a specialized company to create a device with five tractors, four mixed blades, three trucks y thirteen workersThe work is divided between Ris, TrengandÃn, Helgueras and Pineda, adapting to the tides to maximize efficiency.
In just three days they have retired more than 1.600 tons, a figure that continues to grow because accumulations continue to reach the coast with each change of tide. To avoid the spore dispersal, collection methods that do not crush the material or return it to the sea are prioritized.
After collection, the piles are left dry off in restricted areas and then moved to a authorized manager for treatment. The direct cost of the device currently exceeds 60.000 Euros, not counting the indirect damage to tourism and fishing.
Administrations and immediate horizon
The Noja City Council assures that it received the first warnings in May by fishermen and the town's diving center, and calls for greater coordination between administrations. Both the Consistory such as Cantabrian Executive have asked the Ministry for Ecological Transition to assume the costs and lead the control measures.
The regional institutions remind that there is a state strategy for invasive exotic species and demand practical advances to avoid episodes like the current one, which has coincided with a municipality with more than 100.000 people between neighbors and visitors in the middle of summer.