BY TOMAS MORENO
Questions are being raised over when accumulated seaweed will finally be removed from parts of Orihuela’s coastline, after large piles were seen still lying at the edges of La Caleta beach despite the start of the authorised beach-cleaning season.
The images, taken today, Sunday, May 31, show La Caleta beach busy with visitors enjoying calm seas, pleasant temperatures and a clear early-summer atmosphere. The main bathing area appeared well used throughout the day, with residents and tourists taking advantage of the good weather.
However, on both sides of the beach, large mounds of seaweed remain piled up. According to local observations, the deposits have been in place for several months and are now causing frustration among beach users, who argue that they no longer appear to serve any practical purpose in protecting the sand.
Orihuela is currently within the authorised period for seaweed removal on urban beaches, which runs from March 15 to October 15. This period applies to beaches such as La Caleta and others along the Orihuela Costa, following the relevant request to the Regional Ministry of the Environment of the Valencian Government.
Seaweed can play an important environmental role, particularly during the winter months, when it helps protect beaches from erosion and storm damage. Nevertheless, during the tourist season, accumulated deposits on urban beaches are normally managed and removed in order to maintain access, hygiene, safety and the overall appearance of the coastline.
The continued presence of the seaweed has prompted criticism from residents and regular beach users, who say the situation gives a poor impression at a time when beaches are beginning to attract greater numbers of visitors.
Some have questioned why the Orihuela Department of Coast and Beaches has not yet acted, asking whether officials are waiting for another weather event, a change in tides or some other unexplained signal before carrying out the work.
Jokes aside, the issue is a serious one for both tourism and local residents. Orihuela Costa’s beaches are among the municipality’s most important public assets, and their condition directly affects the experience of visitors, the quality of life of residents and the image of the area as the summer season gets under way.
Those responsible for coastal maintenance are now being urged to fulfil the duties delegated to them and ensure that the seaweed is removed from La Caleta and other urban beaches where it has accumulated unnecessarily.
With the removal period already in force and the beaches becoming increasingly busy, residents are asking a simple question: when will the work finally be carried out?
