On the beaches of Candelaria, the recommendation not to swim is maintained due to the presence of microalgae. The municipal government adopted the measure last Sunday and persists in it for the fourth consecutive day, taking into account that already on Monday it warned of the blooming of the cyanobacteria Trichodesmium erythraeum near the coast of Villa Mariana. However, yesterday afternoon there were those who ignored the notice of the municipal authorities and chose to take a bath in the beach of Punta Larga.
The Health area of the City Council of Candelaria maintains active observation and control of microalgae throughout the coastal area, from Barranco Hondo to Playa de La Viuda. Given the situation generated, it is insisted on demanding caution from the users of the beaches of Candelaria, La Hornilla, Olegario, El Alcalde, Cho Vito, La Viuda, Punta Larga, El Pozo and Las Caletillas.
The Biodiversity Service, attached to the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Fight against Climate Change and Territorial Planning of the Canary Islands Government, explains that the microalgae were detected in the area of the southeast region of Tenerife. However, the effects on bathing areas are only recorded in Candelaria, although further north, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, there are also coastal areas with cyanobacteria.
Specifically, from the City Council of the capital it is reported that the presence of “some” spot of microalgae has been detected on the coast of San Andrés, which does not affect the Las Teresitas beachas well as in añaza. The little relevance given to this set of cyanobacteria led the municipal government to keep the designated bathing areas open and fully operational. He did not even proceed to advise against bathing in them, as indicated by the City Council.
The presence of microalgae is valued as «a natural phenomenon», although “it is advisable to avoid bathing in areas of high concentrations” of this cyanobacteria. Prolonged exposure to them is not recommended either, because it can cause itching, mucosal irritation and some respiratory problem, as indicated by the scientific community during the most serious episode in memory in the Canary Islands, recorded during the summer of 2017.
The first record of this year on the presence of microalgae in the Southeast dates from last day two, also in Villa Mariana, which led the municipal government to advise against bathing in the beaches of Los Guanches and Punta Larga for three days.
